Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor and Councillors Armstrong, Helme, Joan Jackson, Kay, Novell and Sykes.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meetings of the City Council held on 22 and 26 May 2015 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meetings held on 22 and 26 May 2015 were signed by the Deputy Mayor as a correct record.

Members advised of the following interests at this stage:

Councillor Hanson declared a non-prejudicial other interest in relation to the item regarding the Review of Lancashire County Council’s Electoral Boundaries as an Elected Member of Lancashire County Council.  (Minute No. 13 refers.)

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 12.

To receive a petition and address from Mr Paul Hartley, notification of which has been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Members are advised that that petition has in excess of 200 signatures and relates to a local matter which affects one ward. It has therefore been scheduled for debate at this meeting and a report of the Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning) is attached, in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme.

Mr Paul Hartley formally presented a petition and addressed Council in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14. The wording of the petition was as follows:

"We, the undersigned, residents of Halton, object to the proposed development of multiple greenfield sites in and around our village. The proposed developments threaten permanent damage to our landscape and identity, and the village is being expected to accommodate an unsustainable and harmful expansion

We call upon the council to ensure that:

1.      Planning decisions to support any development on greenfield sites in Halton are deferred until the Neighbourhood Development Plan is in place;

2.      Government policy which champions localism is properly adhered to, in accordance with The Localism Act of November 2011;

3.      Proper assistance is given to the Parish Council and its volunteers to ensure the swift establishment of the Neighbourhood development Plan."

The Deputy Mayor thanked Mr Hartley for speaking and advised Council that, as the petition contained more than 200 signatures and related to one ward, it would be debated by Council in accordance with the Petition Scheme in the Council’s Constitution. A report had been prepared to provide Council with background information.

The Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning) responded to questions from Councillors about the report.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Sherlock:

“That the council’s response be as follows:

The officer report makes it clear in its conclusion that it will not be possible for the City Council to refuse planning applications for housing development in areas where neighbourhood plans are being prepared on the grounds of prematurity. Council does not therefore support the first proposition in the petition. Further, Council is satisfied that it is complying with the Localism Act 2011, and with government planning policy, and also that it is providing proper assistance to Halton-with-Aughton Parish Council and indeed to other parish and neighbourhood plan groups within the district, to support the preparation of Neighbourhood Development Plans.”

Following a short debate, the Deputy Mayor called for a vote on the proposition, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

That the council’s response be as follows:

The officer report makes it clear in its conclusion that it will not be possible for the City Council to refuse planning applications for housing development in areas where neighbourhood plans are being prepared on the grounds of prematurity. Council does not therefore support the first proposition in the petition. Further, Council is satisfied that it is complying with the Localism Act 2011, and with government planning policy, and also that it is providing proper assistance to Halton-with-Aughton Parish Council and indeed to other parish and neighbourhood plan groups within the district, to support the preparation of Neighbourhood Development Plans.

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. 

Councillor Newman-Thompson presented a referral report from Cabinet seeking Council’s consideration of the Annual Treasury Management report and Prudential Indicators for 2014/15.

Councillor Newman-Thompson and the Deputy Section 151 Officer responded to a number of questions from Members. The report was noted.

Resolved:

That the Annual Treasury Management Report and Prudential Indicators, as set out in Appendix A of the report, be noted.

Councillor Hartley, the Chairman of the Standards Committee, presented a referral report from the committee regarding a compliant of a breach of the Code of Conduct. The report provided information for Council regarding an investigation report in respect of former City Councillor Alycia James.

There were no questions and Councillor Hartley proposed the recommendation, as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Mace.

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

Resolved:

That the report be noted, and  that Council note the requirement in the Code of Conduct for members to keep the register of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests up to date, and the expectation of the Standards Committee that members will engage in the investigation of any code of conduct complaint against them.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillor Phillippa Williamson to be proposed by Councillor Mel Guilding and seconded by Councillor Peter Williamson.

“This Council creates the role of a Champion for the Disabled and agrees to appoint a Councillor to undertake this role for the period of this Council.”

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 Guilding and seconded by Councillor Peter Williamson:-

“This Council creates the role of a Champion for the Disabled and agrees to appoint a Councillor to undertake the role for the period of this Council.”

An officer briefing note had been supplied with the agenda and the Chief Officer (Governance) and Democratic Services Manager responded to questions from Councillors prior to the debate.

Following a short debate, a vote was taken and the motion was clearly carried.

The Deputy Mayor then asked for nominations for the role of Champion for the Disabled for 2015-2019.

Councillor Peter Williamson nominated Councillor Guilding seconded by Councillor Charles and Councillor Leyshon nominated Councillor Cozler seconded by Councillor Hughes.

Councillor Cozler spoke about her reasons for wishing to undertake the Champion’s role, Councillor Guilding having given her reasons when proposing the motion.

At this point, Councillor Mace, noting that there were two nominees with relevant experience and a particular interest in this role, suggested that the Council appoint two Champions for the Disabled, proposing:

“That Councillor’s Cozler and Guilding both be appointed as Champions for the disabled for 2015-19.”

Councillor Leytham seconded the proposal, which was clearly carried when put to the vote.

Resolved:-

(1)        That the role of Champion for the Disabled be created.

(2)       That Councillors Cozler and Guilding both be appointed as Champions for the Disabled for 2015-19.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Hamilton-Cox, Brookes and Mills.

“The issues of housing targets and how they are to be achieved in the short and long term futures are complex and of significant public interest.

It is therefore imperative that all the key stakeholders, in particular elected Members, the Lancaster district community and housing providers have confidence in the Council’s housing policies, assessment of need and supply, and monitoring arrangements.

To confirm and make transparent the soundness of the advice given by Officers to Cabinet and Planning Committee under the terms of the NPPF and NPPG relating to the calculation of the five-year land supply, it is agreed that:

1.           Elected Members are provided with the opportunity to both scrutinise the methodology and judgements that need to be made in calculating the five year housing land supply through Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2.           The issues to be considered at a single-item agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 9 September 2015 and Overview and Scrutiny Committee should report its findings to Full Council as soon as practicable and in any case should report the position it has reached to the Full Council scheduled for 23 September 2015.”

An officer briefing note is attached.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed the following motion having given the required notice to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15:-

“The issues of housing targets and how they are to be achieved in the short and long term futures are complex and of significant public interest.

It is therefore imperative that all the key stakeholders, in particular elected Members, the Lancaster district community and housing providers have confidence in the Council’s housing policies, assessment of need and supply, and monitoring arrangements.

To confirm and make transparent the soundness of the advice given by Officers to Cabinet and Planning Committee under the terms of the NPPF and NPPG relating to the calculation of the five-year land supply, it is agreed that:

(1)          Elected Members are provided with the opportunity to both scrutinise the methodology and judgements that need to be made in calculating the five year housing land supply through Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

(2)          The issues to be considered at a single-item agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 9 September 2015 and Overview and Scrutiny Committee should report its findings to Full Council as soon as practicable and in any case should report the position it has reached to the Full Council scheduled for 23 September 2015.”

An officer briefing note had been included with the agenda to assist the debate and the Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning) responded to questions about the briefing note from Councillors.

Councillor Brookes seconded the motion.

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Hanson:

“That the words ‘and make transparent the soundness of’ be deleted. That (2) be deleted and that the words ‘and that the Planning Advisory Service be invited to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, be added to the end of (1).”

With the agreement of his seconder, Councillor Hamilton-Cox accepted this as a friendly amendment.

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

Resolved:-

The issues of housing targets and how they are to be achieved in the short and long term futures are complex and of significant public interest.

It is therefore imperative that all the key stakeholders, in particular elected Members, the Lancaster district community and housing providers have confidence in the Council’s housing policies, assessment of need and supply, and monitoring arrangements.

To confirm the advice given by Officers to Cabinet and Planning Committee under the terms of the NPPF and NPPG relating to the calculation of the five-year land supply, it is agreed that Elected Members be provided with the opportunity to both scrutinise the methodology and judgements that need to be made in calculating the five year housing land supply through Overview and Scrutiny Committee and that the Planning Advisory Service be invited to the Overview and Scrutiny meeting.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Goodrich, Brookes, Cooper, Caroline Jackson and Phillippa Williamson.

“To improve the IT (email and intranet etc..) service offered to Councillors and reduce costs this council is to investigate a form of byod (bring your own device) with a platform-independent remote access solution for this communication such as that used in many neighbouring councils, such as Fylde, Lancashire County Council, South Lakes, and Cumbria.

This council requests that the Head of IT reports to Budget and Performance with his costed findings as soon as possible, and at the latest by the October meeting.

The aim is to improve the usability to the councillor group, to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and aim towards the stated aspiration of the Chief Executive of a paperless council. It would incidentally comply with the published constitution MembersallowancesschemeJune2015AA.pdf which in para 2.3 says ......Where a member wishes to utilise their own PC or laptop, rather than use a Council provided laptop, this must be the subject of prior agreement with the Council’s Information Services Application Manager, and the Council may enable a remote access facility for that Member. This is a position some of us would like, and we have been told is not possible.”

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 Goodrich and seconded by Councillor Cooper:

“To improve the IT (email and intranet etc..) service offered to Councillors and reduce costs this council is to investigate a form of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) with a platform-independent remote access solution for this communication such as that used in many neighbouring councils, such as Fylde, Lancashire County Council, South Lakes, and Cumbria.

This council requests that the Head of IT reports to Budget and Performance with his costed findings as soon as possible, and at the latest by the October meeting.

The aim is to improve the usability to the councillor group, to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and aim towards the stated aspiration of the Chief Executive of a paperless council. It would incidentally comply with the published constitution MembersallowancesschemeJune2015AA.pdf which in para 2.3 says ......Where a member wishes to utilise their own PC or laptop, rather than use a Council provided laptop, this must be the subject of prior agreement with the Council’s Information Services Application Manager, and the Council may enable a remote access facility for that Member. This is a position some of us would like, and we have been told is not possible.”

A briefing note prepared by the ICT Manager had been circulated with the agenda, and the ICT Manager responded to numerous questions on the briefing note from Councillors.

The Chief Executive advised Council that the timescale set out in the motion would only be achievable if the work was outsourced and that this would entail a cost to the Council in the region of £7,500-£10,000.

To avoid the costs of outsourcing, with the agreement of his seconder and the meeting, Councillor Goodrich amended the motion to give a longer timescale by changing the words “and at the latest by the October meeting” to “and by April 2016”.

There was a lengthy debate, following which a vote was taken and the motion was clearly carried.

Resolved:-

To improve the IT (email and intranet etc..) service offered to Councillors and reduce costs this council is to investigate a form of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) with a platform-independent remote access solution for this communication such as that used in many neighbouring councils, such as Fylde, Lancashire County Council, South Lakes, and Cumbria.

This council requests that the Head of IT reports to Budget and Performance with his costed findings as soon as possible and by April 2016.

The aim is to improve the usability to the councillor group, to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and aim towards the stated aspiration of the Chief Executive of a paperless council. It would incidentally comply with the published constitution MembersallowancesschemeJune2015AA.pdf which in para 2.3 says ......Where a member wishes to utilise their own PC or laptop, rather than use a Council provided laptop, this must be the subject of prior agreement with the Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

The Chief Officer (Governance) submitted a report to enable Council to appoint Ian Johnson and Kirsten McAteer to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Chief Officer (Governance) provided details of two further applicants, Mrs Harsha Shukla and Mr Neil Harris, who were also being recommended for appointment.

Councillor Blamire proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:

“That Ian Johnson, Kirsten McAteer, Harsha Shukla and Neil Harris be appointed to the Independent Remuneration Panel.”

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

Resolved:

That Ian Johnson, Kirsten McAteer, Harsha Shukla and Neil Harris be appointed to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

Council considered a report of the Chief Officer (Governance) to consider a response to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s (LGBCE) consultation on the first stage of the review of Lancashire County Council’s boundaries.

The LGBCE was seeking views regarding the number of Councillors on the County Council and also where boundaries should be drawn.

The report provided a draft response, which dealt only with the practical and administrative matters of running elections, and informed Members that individual Councillors and political groups were very welcome to make their own representations to the LGBCE.

Councillor Smith seconded by Councillor Peter Williamson proposed:

“(1)         That Council notes the review and that individual Councillors and political groups may make their own responses direct to the Commission, in the manner detailed in the report.

(2)          That Council submits a response from the Council using the draft response in paragraph 5 of the report.”

There was no debate and the proposition was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)          That Council notes the review and that individual Councillors and political groups may make their own responses direct to the Commission, in the manner detailed in the report.

(2)          That Council submits a response from the Council using the draft response in paragraph 5 of the report.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

The Chief Officer (Governance) submitted a report to appoint one Labour councillor to the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel for 2015/16. This was in accordance with the political balance calculation revised after the local government elections in May 2015.

Councillor Leyshon, seconded by Councillor Pattison, nominated Councillor Hughes from the Labour Group.

There was no debate and a vote was taken which was clearly carried.

The Deputy Mayor declared Councillor Hughes to be the City Council’s member of the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel for 2015/16.

Resolved:

That Councillor Hughes be appointed to the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel for 2015/16.

To consider the report of the Chief Officer (Governance).

Council considered a report of the Chief Officer (Governance) to consider amending the Officer Employment Procedure Rules in the Council’s Constitution to comply with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.

The Chief Officer (Governance) responded to Members’ questions on the report before Councillor Hanson, seconded by Councillor Blamire, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

There was no debate and a vote was taken. The proposition was clearly carried.

Resolved:

That the Officer Employment Procedure Rules in Part 4, Section 6 of the Constitution be amended to comply with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015.

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 8 questions had been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rules as follows:

(1) and (2)       Councillor Peter Williamson to Councillor Hanson regarding the Canal Corridor

(3) and (4)       Councillor Mace to Councillor Clifford regarding archaeological finds

(5)                                Councillor Gardiner to Councillor Cllifford regarding archaeological finds

(6)                    Councillor Brookes to Councillor Smith regarding Environmental Services

(7) and (8)       Councillor Charles to Councillor Hanson regarding development of new homes.

Details of the questions and answers for (1) and (3) to (6), together with any supplementary questions and responses are appended to the minutes. Councillor Williamson withdrew question (2) in light of Councillor Hanson’s response to his first question and Councillor Charles was not present to ask questions (7) and (8) at the meeting. Councillor Hanson agreed to provide a response in writing.

To receive the Minutes of Meeting of Cabinet held 23 June 2015. 

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2015. The Leader responded to Members’ questions.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.