Agenda and minutes

Due to the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Democratic Services requested nominations for the position of temporary Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Joan Jackson and seconded by Councillor David Whittaker:

“That Councillor Janet Hall be appointed as the temporary Chairman for the meeting.”

There being no further nominations, the Democratic Services Manager declared the proposal to be carried.

Resolved:

That Councillor Janet Hall be appointed the temporary Chairman for the meeting.

Minutes of meeting held on 22 November, 2018 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting of 22 November 2018 (previously circulated) were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members 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, Members 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, Members 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. 

Councillor David Whittaker declared an interest in agenda item 5 Lancashire County Council Consultations. The reason being that he worked for Lancashire County Council in adult social care support.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee considered a report of the Democratic Services Manager to allow the Committee to consider how they would like to respond to several consultations from Lancashire County Council regarding proposals for: Break Time; Wellbeing Service; Lancashire Waste and Recycling Service Centres; Integrated Home Improvement Services; Active Lives Service; Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Health Improvement Service and Stop Smoking Services.

The Democratic Services Manager introduced the report and explained the several consultations contained within it. It was further explained that the County Council would be holding consultation events for Officers, and that Officers would be submitting operational and technical comments where appropriate. An Officer briefing note was circulated to Members in advance of the Committee meeting for informational purposes.  

The Committee were asked for their opinions on the proposals and if/how they would like to respond to the consultations. Members were in favour of submitting a response on behalf of the Council as a formal letter, which would incorporate all seven consultations in the report.

Members felt strongly that if the County Council was to cut services/resources, it would not reduce the need for those services/resources. It was therefore felt that the impact of cutting services might cost more in the future, as the need would not be diminished and could consequently be shifted to other services. For example, if the Lancashire Break Time service were cease entirely, this may have an impact on social work care and create a demand for more resources in that area. Members felt that for most of the services in the consultations, prevention was always considered better and more cost effective than cure.

Members considered each consultation in turn and provided comments regarding the proposed cuts to the services/resources. With regard to the: Wellbeing Service; Active Lives Service, Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Service and Stop Smoking Service, there was an overwhelming concern for residents in the District that would be affected. Members felt that if these services were cut, there would be an increase in demand on social care work/resources, consequently creating a false economy for the County Council. There would also likely be cost implications for other services in the District such as GPs and associated health services. Members suggested that there was potential for some of the services to combine to avoid them being cut all together. By having the same management/programme, some of the health services could potentially save money and provide a better all-round service for users.

Similarly, it was felt that to cease the Lancashire Break Time service would not be cost effective long term, as statutory assessments via social work would cost more and have greater impact on the County Council’s budget. It was felt that this was an important service which provided residents with none-judgemental social interaction.

With regard to the Integrated Home Improvement Service, Members thought that this again could have potential cost implications for the City Council and could ultimately risk social isolation for residents who relied on this service to make their homes safe and accessible.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee considered a report of the Democratic Services Manager to allow the Committee to consider proposals for Member Development post-elections 2019, including induction training for newly-elected Councillors.

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report and explained that Democratic Services had various aims for the new Member induction programme. They were continuously aiming to have sessions both at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Hall to accommodate Members in all areas of the District and would ideally have all Members signed up before the Annual Mayor Making Ceremony. It was outlined that there were various training opportunities open to all Councillors and all Members would be actively encouraged to attend training sessions, some of which they must do so before sitting on certain Committees.

Members provided various comments on the report and were supportive of it overall. Members felt that a clarification of what services the City Council offer vs. the services that the County Council offer would be useful information to include for new members as a sign posting tool for residents and their queries. Similarly, important contact details of both City Council Officers would be beneficial for the same reason. Members also asked that information setting out what each of the City Council Democratic Services team deal with, and who to contact regarding specific matters, be  included in the new councillors’ pack.

With regard to training courses, Members requested that there be a course/training provided for the Health and Safety of Councillors when lone working and dealing with difficult Members of the public. Members also requested that there be a course/training session regarding ICT and email usage for all Councillors.

Resolved:

(1)          That the information above be reported back to the Democratic Services staff responsible for Member Development to consider when developing the upcoming Member Induction Pack and all future training courses.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee considered a report of the Democratic Services Manager to reschedule the Budget and Performance Panel meeting on 4^th February 2020 to 18^th February 2020.

The Committee raised no objections with the proposal and understood that the change of meeting was required as outlined in the report.

Resolved:

(1)          That the Budget and Performance Panel meeting on 4^th February 2020 be rescheduled to 18^th February 2020.

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee considered a report of the Democratic Services Manager to advise Members of decisions taken by the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of Council Business Committee regarding change to the Single Purpose Standards Committee Membership as outlined in the report.

Resolved:

(1)          That the report be noted.  

There were no appointments to Committees or changes to membership.