Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Suhir Abuhajar, Claire Cozler, Maria Deery, Sally Maddocks, Andrew Otway and Sarah Punhon.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 24 September 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2025 were signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

In accordance with the motion agreed by Council on 24 September (Minute 52 refers) the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Finance having mandated to report back on the credentials of the council’s investment counterparts provided an interim report and advised that a revised Treasury Management Strategy would be reported to December’s Council.

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. 

Members advised of the following interest at this stage:

Councillor Whitaker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to paragraph 3.17 of the Leader’s Report in view of his employment in the establishment mentioned.

The Mayor expressed her gratitude to those who had donated to the St John’s Hospice Jail and Bail event where 24 representatives of local businesses and herself were locked up in the 19^th Century ‘A’ wing at Lancaster Castle for 6 hours.  Over £27K was raised for the hospice.

The Mayor announced that she would be hosting the Mayor’s Christmas Carol Concert on 18^th December at 6.30pm.  This would be a lovely evening with the St John’s Hospice choir and tickets were available from the Mayor’s office.

The Mayor informed councillors that the funeral of the former councillor and armed forces veteran Darren Clifford would be held on Friday 7 November at 11am at Lancaster Cathedral.

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.

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.  Councillor Hamilton-Cox advised the meeting that a briefing note would be drafted to address the points raised by Councillor Gawith in relation to paragraph 3.9 of the Leader’s report; Mainway.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

Report of Cabinet.

Appendix 2 published 3 November.

Councillor Caroline Jackson introduced a referral report from Cabinet with regard to the adoption by Council of the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028.  The draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-28 had been considered by the Councils Licensing Committee, subject to a public consultation and endorsed by Cabinet.  Full Council was required under constitutional arrangements, to adopt the revised policy.

After several questions were responded to Councillor Caroline Jackson, seconded by Councillor Hartley, proposed:

“That Full Council consider the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028 and following the recommendation of Cabinet, adopt the policy.

That following adoption, the policy shall take immediate effect.”

A vote was then taken on the proposition, which was agreed unanimously.

Resolved unanimously:

That having considered the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028 and the recommendation of Cabinet, the policy be adopted with immediate effect.

To consider a motion on notice submitted by Councillors Matthew Black, Joanne Ainscough, Louise Belcher, Phillip Black, Ruth Colbridge, Claire Cozler, John Hanson, Jean Parr, and Margaret Patterson

The following motion of which notice had been given to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15 was moved by Councillor Matthew Black and seconded by Councillor Ainscough.

“Council Notes:

• That 14 May 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Eric Bartholomew, known professionally as Eric Morecambe, born in Morecambe, Lancashire.

• Eric Morecambe was a nationally beloved comedian and entertainer, widely recognised as one of Britain’s greatest entertainers.

• His legacy continues to attract visitors and remains a source of civic pride and cultural heritage for Morecambe.

Council Believes:

• That Eric Morecambe’s centenary provides an opportunity to promote the town’s cultural identity, tourism, and local economy.

• That the Council should play a leading role in supporting and facilitating appropriate celebrations.

Council Resolves:

• To formally recognise and celebrate Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday on or around 14 May 2026.

• To work in partnership with local organisations, community groups, and businesses to plan and deliver public events, exhibitions, and other commemorative activities.

• To explore potential funding streams or sponsorship opportunities to support these celebrations without placing undue burden on council finances.

• To establish a working group of councillors, officers, and community representatives to coordinate the centenary programme, reporting back to Full Council with proposals by March 2026.”

An officer briefing note had been included with the motion on the agenda.

At the conclusion of the debate a vote was taken, and the motion was carried unanimously.

Resolved unanimously:-

Council Notes:

• That 14 May 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Eric Bartholomew, known professionally as Eric Morecambe, born in Morecambe, Lancashire.

• Eric Morecambe was a nationally beloved comedian and entertainer, widely recognised as one of Britain’s greatest entertainers.

• His legacy continues to attract visitors and remains a source of civic pride and cultural heritage for Morecambe.

Council Believes:

• That Eric Morecambe’s centenary provides an opportunity to promote the town’s cultural identity, tourism, and local economy.

• That the Council should play a leading role in supporting and facilitating appropriate celebrations.

Council Resolves:

• To formally recognise and celebrate Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday on or around 14 May 2026.

• To work in partnership with local organisations, community groups, and businesses to plan and deliver public events, exhibitions, and other commemorative activities.

• To explore potential funding streams or sponsorship opportunities to support these celebrations without placing undue burden on council finances.

• To establish a working group of councillors, officers, and community representatives to coordinate the centenary programme, reporting back to Full Council with proposals by March 2026.

Report of the Senior Manager, Democratic Support and Elections.

Council considered a report submitted by the Senior Manager (Democratic Support).  The report noted that a vacancy had arisen at the Forest of Bowland Joint Advisory Committee.  Members were asked to consider the basis for the appointment, which had previously been made by way of nominations and voting at full Council, and to receive nominations at the meeting should the basis remain the same.

Councillor Wood, seconded by Councillor Gardiner proposed:

“That the basis of appointment should remain by way of nominations and voting at full Council.”

The Mayor called for nominations.

Councillor Parr  nominated Councillor Gawith, seconded by Councillor Colbridge, and Councillor Blaikie nominated Councillor Peter Jackson, seconded by Councillor  Pritchard.

The Mayor called for a vote. There were 20 votes for Councillor Gawith and 29 votes for Councillor Peter Jackson whereupon the Mayor declared Councillor Peter Jackson   appointed to the Forest of Bowland Joint Advisory Committee.

Resolved:

That Councillor Peter Jackson be appointed to the Forest of Bowland Joint Advisory Committee.

Group Administrators to report any changes to Committee Membership.  

No changes to Committee Membership were reported.

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 no questions had been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.

To receive the Minutes of Meeting of Cabinet held 16 September 2025. 

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2025.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.