Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Abbott Bryning, Merv Evans, June Greenwell, Janice Hanson, Geoff Knight and Sarah Knight.

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council held on 15 December 2021 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2021 were signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

Councillor Gardiner  made a statement at the conclusion of this item to enquire about how the Mayor would take votes during the meeting. The Mayor informed him that ten members could request a recorded vote if they wished.  Councillor Wood then attempted to raise a point of order regarding voting procedure, however the Monitoring Officer’s advice was that a point of order may only relate to an alleged breach of the Council Procedure Rules or the law.  The Councillor had to indicate the rule or law and the way in which they consider it has been broken. As Councillor Wood could not do this the Mayor moved on to the next item.

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 interests at this stage:

Councillors Gardiner, Morris, Parr and Lewis each declared an “other interest”, as defined in Section 2 of the Councillors Code of Conduct, in Item 12, the Lancashire County Deal/Our New Deal for a Greater Lancashire. This was in view of their role as Elected Members of Lancashire County Council. (Minute No.107 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 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 informed Members that a decision had been omitted from the list of decisions taken by Cabinet on 18^th January 2022. This was a decision regarding Morecambe Sparkle 2022/2025.

The Leader then responded to a number of questions from Councillors.

Resolved:

That the report be noted. 

Report of Cabinet.

This report was marked “to follow” and was published on 21 January 2022.

Councillor Whitehead, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented an update report on the Budget and Policy Framework, seeking approval for a City Council Tax increase for 2022/23,

The Mayor reminded Members that proposals regarding the setting of Council Tax would require a recorded vote, in compliance with Regulations and the City Council’s Constitution (Council Procedure Rule 19.7).

There were no questions regarding the report.

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

“That a City Council Tax increase of £5 to the Band D Council Tax (from £236.95 to £241.95) for 2022/23 be approved, together with a year on year target of the maximum allowable under the Government’s local referendum thresholds for future years.”

There was a short debate, before a vote was taken and recorded as follows:-

For the proposition:

Councillors Anderson, Anderton, Askari, Austen-Baker, Bannon, Biddulph, Black, Blaikie, Boyd-Power, Brookes, Budden, Cleet, Dant, De La Mare, Dennison, Dowding, Firth, Frea, Gardiner, Goodwin, Greenall, Guilding, Hamilton-Cox, Hartley, Heath, Hunter, Jackson (Caroline), Jackson (Joan), Jenkins, King, Lenox, Lewis, Matthews, Mills, Morris, Parr, Penny, Pritchard, Redfern, Robinson, Sinclair, Stubbins, Taylor, Thomas, Thornberry, Whearty, Whitaker, Whitehead, Wild, Wood, Yates and Young. (52)

(NB: The result was initially announced as 53 for the proposition, however this was corrected by the Mayor during the next item.)

There were no votes against and no abstentions.

Resolved unanimously:

That a City Council Tax increase of £5 to the Band D Council Tax (from £236.95 to £241.95) for 2022/23 be approved, together with a year on year target of the maximum allowable under the Government’s local referendum thresholds for future years.

To consider a motion on notice submitted by Councillors Young and Penny.

During this item, two declarations of interest were made. Councillor Young declared an “other interest” as defined in Section 2 of the Councillors Code of Conduct, in view of her role as the Chair of Trustees at the Morecambe Bay Foodbank. Councillor Whitaker declared an “other interest” as a volunteer and member of Eggcup Food Club.

“This council recognises that households are facing increased energy costs due to the recent increase of the energy price cap and its imminent extension in April 2022. 

With bills set to increase as much as 57%, we understand that many residents may find it extremely difficult to meet their energy costs. For those on the lowest incomes, this may lead to a choice between heating and eating.

To demonstrate what is already happening, on 12th January 2022, the Morecambe Bay Foodbank received two calls in a single morning from distressed residents who were unable to pay their bills, and were seeking help with emergency food as a result. Charities in our area including Citizens Advice, Eggcup, The Morecambe Bay Foodbank and the Morecambe Bay Credit Union are all seriously concerned about how vulnerable people will be able to manage their money in the coming months, especially due to the recent cut to Universal Credit and the impending end of the Household Support Grant in March 2022.

This Council calls on the government to take action to help those who are likely to suffer as a result of these price rises. Specifically this council will write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Levelling Up to ask, along with Citizens Advice, that

·                      An "Energy Support Grant" should be delivered through the benefits system to provide a much needed £300 (as recommended by the Resolution Foundation) to help with fuel costs, paid to all Universal Credit and Legacy Benefit and pension credit claimants in April 2022.

·                      The benefits increase due in April 2022 is based on the IFS (Institute of Fiscal Studies) recommendation of 6% rather than the planned rise of 3.1% to more accurately reflect the cost of living

·                      The Warm Homes Discount should be extended to channel money directly to those that need it most, enabling them to heat their homes in Winter 2022, when prices are due to soar further

·                      The cost of supplier failures should be spread over two or three years to reduce the cost and provide relief to consumers in the short term.”

The motion was accompanied by a briefing note drafted by officers. This provided some local background information.

Councillor Young replied to a number of questions from Councillors. Debate then followed.

At the conclusion of the debate the Mayor called for a vote was taken and the motion was clearly carried with 47 Members voting in favour, none against and five abstentions.

Resolved:-

This council recognises that households are facing increased energy costs due to the recent increase of the energy price cap and its imminent extension in April 2022. 

With bills set to increase as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Independent Remuneration Panel had carried out an annual review of the Councillors’ Allowances Scheme and submitted its report for consideration.

The Head of Democratic Services responded to questions about the report.

Councillor Dennison proposed:

“That the recommendations in the report be approved.”

This was seconded by Councillor Gardiner.

There was a short debate and, when a vote was taken, the proposal was carried unanimously.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)     That the basic allowance in the Councillors’ Allowances Scheme 2021/22 be increased in line with the employee pay award (when agreed) and backdated to 1 April 2021.

(2)     That, save for the change detailed in (1) above, and any other pay award which may be granted for employees for 2022/23, the Councillors’ Allowances Scheme should remain unchanged in 2022/23.

A report of the Leader of the Council.

This report was marked “to follow” and was published on 21 January 2022.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Caroline Jackson, had submitted a report to provide Council with an update on work undertaken towards development of strengthened joint working, a long term strategic plan and a County Deal for the Lancashire area and to support progression of this work.

After presenting her report, the Leader responded to questions from Councillors.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, seconded by Councillor Dowding, proposed:

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

Councillor Lewis proposed the following amendment, seconded by Councillor Wood:

“That the Council

1)      Notes the outline "Our New Deal for a Greater Lancashire" at Appendix A as a suggested initial draft basis for further discussion and development of a possible County Deal for the Lancashire area. It is, however, this council's position devolution discussions should seek similar powers, freedoms, and resources for Lancastrians as existing arrangements in the North West most notably Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.

2)      (remains as written)

3)      Agrees that the Leader of the Council continues to work with Lancashire Leaders to develop an initial proposal in consultation with councillors, residents, local businesses, trade unions, organisations and institutions, and notes that any formal proposals will require approval by Cabinet and/or Full Council at the appropriate time.

The was debate on the amendment before a vote was taken. With 14 voting for the amendment, 34 against and two abstentions, the amendment was clearly lost.

The original motion was then debated and voted upon.

The proposition was clearly carried with 36 votes for, 14 against and 1 abstention.

Resolved:

That Lancaster City Council

(1)     Supports the outline "Our New Deal for a Greater Lancashire", at Appendix 1 of the report, as the initial draft basis for further discussion and development of a possible County Deal for the Lancashire area.

(2)     Agrees the principles of governance, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, for any future deal.

(3)     Agrees that the Leader of the Council continues to work with Lancashire Leaders in line with the principles agreed in recommendations 1 & 2 above and notes that any formal proposals will be considered by Cabinet and/or Full Council at the appropriate time.

At the conclusion of this item, the Mayor called for a ten minute break, in line with Council procedure rules. The Meeting adjourned at 8.10pm and reconvened at 8.20pm.

Report of the Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration.

This report was marked ‘to follow’ and was published on 20 January 2022.

Councillor Dowding, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Place Making presented a report on the Climate Emergency review of the Local Plan submitted by the Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration.

Councillor Dowding responded to Councillors’ questions, before proposing:

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

Councillor Hamilton-Cox seconded the motion and debate followed. When debate had concluded, the Mayor called for a vote to be taken on the proposition.

The proposition was clearly carried with 48 votes in favour, none against and one abstention.

Resolved:

(1)        That Council formally publishes the Climate Emergency Review of the Local Plan; comprising a revised Strategic Policies & Land Allocations DPD and a revised Development Management DPD, accompanied by evidence, a Sustainability Appraisal, and a Habitats Regulation Assessment. Then, once formal representations have been received, submit the documents and representations to the Government in order that they can be the subject of an independent Examination by a government appointed Inspector. This will ensure that the relevant regulations for plan preparation are followed and will enable all stakeholders to make representations about the soundness of the plan and its preparation process.

(2)        To delegate to the Director of Economic Growth & Regeneration the authority to make minor changes to the DPDs that accompany this report prior to their formal publication and submission where that would improve the clarity, consistency, and appearance of the documents. Minor changes may include the insertion of additional illustrative material or non-consequential factual updates.

(3)        Upon submission enable the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to proceed with facilitating the independent Examination process including through; the appointment of a Programme Officer; engaging with the Planning Inspectorate and the appointed Inspector in correspondence; engaging specialist consultancy support where it would be advantageous to advancing the submitted plan; and, advancing consultation on proposed modifications at the Inspector’s suggestion, where, in the event of issues of soundness being identified at Examination, the Inspector is minded to explore whether the submitted documents are capable of being made sound though modification. The Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy will report to members on processes in relation to any such changes as soon as reasonably appropriate.

(4)     That Council acknowledges that the task of advancing the Climate Emergency Review of the Local Plan through to adoption has resource implications that will evolve as challenges to the submitted plan emerge and evolve; the Director of Economic Growth & Regeneration will need both capacity and flexibility to ensure that resources are available and deployed, particularly in financial year 2021/22 to address challenges.

Report of the Leader.

The Leader informed Council of changes to Cabinet portfolios which were detailed in the report. It was noted that Tourism and Marketing was included in Councillor Thornberry’s portfolio in the report, when this should be in Councillor Heath’s portfolio. A revised list is included with these minutes for clarity.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To appoint a Mayor Elect to be put forward for election by the City Council in May 2022, for the municipal year 2022/23.

The Chief Executive advised that he had contacted Councillor Geoff Knight, being the most senior Member of the City Council, who had indicated that he did not feel able to accept an invitation to be Mayor at the present time.

The Chief Executive had therefore spoken to Councillor Pritchard, being the next most senior Member of the City Council and she had indicated that she would be happy to accept the office of Mayor if offered by the Council.

It was then moved by Councillor Hunter and seconded by Councillor Redfern:

“That Councillor Pritchard be invited to hold the office of Mayor of the City of Lancaster for the Municipal Year 2022/23.”

The Mayor declared the motion clearly carried when put to the vote.

Resolved:-

That Councillor Pritchard be invited to hold the office of Mayor of the City of Lancaster for the Municipal Year 2022/23.

Group Administrators to report any changes to Committee Membership.  

The Head of Democratic Services reported the following changes since the last Council meeting:

Councillor Joan Jackson had given up her Conservative Group seats on the Appeals and Licensing Committees.

Councillor Austen-Baker had given up his Conservative Group seats on the Appeals and Standards Committees.

Councillor Goodwin had been appointed a substitute member for Planning Committee for the Morecambe Bay Independents.

Councillor Jenkins had been appointed a substitute member for the Planning Committee for the Independent Group.

Councillor Gardiner asked for the following changes to be noted from the Conservative Group:

Councillor Gardiner to take up vacant seats on both the Appeals and Standards Committees.

Councillors Gardiner and Budden to replace Councillors Austen-Baker and De La Mare on the Chief Executive Recruitment Committees.

Councillor Robinson asked for the following change to be noted from the Labour Group:

Councillor Wood to replace Councillor Lewis on the Personnel Committee.

Resolved:

That the changes be noted.

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

(1)        Councillor Stubbins to Councillor Caroline Jackson regarding the International Labour Organisation’s Violence and Harassment Convention (ILO C190).  

(2)       Councillor Budden to Councillor Brookes regarding roadside weeds.

(3)       Councillor Budden to Councillor Dowding regarding the Frontierland site.

(4)       Councillor Hartley to Councillor Brookes regarding single use plastics.

Details of the questions and answers are appended to the minutes.

To receive the Minutes of Meeting of Cabinet held on 7 December 2021. 

Council considered the Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2021. Councillor Lewis responded to Members’ questions regarding her portfolio area of Corporate Services.

Resolved:

That the minutes be noted.