Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Stuart Bateson, Susie Charles, Andrew Gardiner and Mel Guilding.

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. 

Members advised of the following interests:

Councillor Scott declared a personal interest in relation to the Motion on Notice in view of her son having used the facilities at the Musician’s Co-operative in the past.

Councillor Kay also declared a personal interest in relation to the same item as his son used the facilities for rehearsals.

(On 31 October 2018, the Councillors who submitted the request for this extraordinary meeting to hear the motion set out below, submitted a new motion to be heard at the ordinary scheduled meeting instead. That motion is item 12 on the agenda of the meeting immediately following this one. Please note that Councillor Frea asked for the request for the extraordinary meeting to be rescinded.)

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors Kevin Frea, Carla Brayshaw, Oliver Robinson, Amara Betts-Patel, Rob Devey, Jean Parr, Colin Hartley, David Whitaker, John Reynolds,  Jon Barry, Tim Hamilton-Cox, Caroline Jackson, Dave Brookes, Nick Wilkinson, Abi Mills, Peter Williamson, Mel Guilding and Peter Yates.

“This Council recognises the incredible value that the Musician's Coop has brought to the culture and economy of Lancaster for more than 30 years.

This Council resolves that:

1.      The eviction notice issued to the Musician's Co-op on Friday 12th October is immediately rescinded.

2.      An urgent meeting between the Musicians Co-op and the Council is arranged to review the situation, and explore possible future arrangements that support the long term future of the Co-op.

3.      An action plan is formulated to address the building condition report issues and how best the funds to pay for them could be raised.

4.      If remedial and/or long term repairs are not viable, as agreed in consultation with the Musicians Co-op,   then the Council will work with the Musicians Co-op to find suitable alternative premises before they have to move.

5.      There is an urgent review, led by Councillors, into the process by which decisions are made about council properties occupied by external users, which could have a significant impact upon these users. This review should ensure that any such proposals are subject to full consultation with occupants and councillors and that the final decision is made by Councillors.”

The Mayor explained that he had requested the extraordinary meeting to deal with agenda item 3, a motion about the Musician’s Co-operative building.

On 31^st October 2018, the Councillors who had asked the Mayor to call the extraordinary meeting to hear their motion, submitted a new motion to be heard at the scheduled meeting instead. That motion was item 12 on the agenda of the scheduled meeting.

In view of this, the Mayor closed the extraordinary meeting.