Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors John Rainsbury, David Shaw and Carol Wooldridge. 

Councillor Jon Hesketh attended the meeting via Microsoft Teams and so was not able to participate in voting.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item.

If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

No declarations of interest were received.

Approved.

Resolved: (unanimously) That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday, 20 April 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The Monitoring Officer, Chris Moister, noted that at the previous meeting he had referenced an email sent to members with guidance on purdah.  He apologised and noted that the email had been sent to members of a different authority. 

Councillor Phil Smith advised there was an outstanding query from the previous meeting at minute no 130 ‘Investment in the Council’s Leisure Centres’ regarding the capacity of heat pumps due to be installed.  The Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington, undertook to share the information following the meeting. 

To receive the report of the Returning Officer.

Noted.

The Returning Officer, Gary Hall, presented his report

The Mayor and members congratulated the newly elected Councillor. 

The Returning Officer’s report indicated by-election result as follows:

Resolved: (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To formally elect the Mayor of the Borough for 2022/23.

Councillor David Howarth was elected the Mayor of the Borough for 2022/23.

It was proposed by Councillor Harry Hancock, and seconded by Councillor Rene Blow, that Councillor David Howarth be elected as Mayor of the Borough of South Ribble for the forthcoming Council Year.

Resolved: (unanimously) that Councillor David Howarth be elected as Mayor of the Borough of South Ribble for the forthcoming Council Year.

To formally elect the Deputy Mayor of the Borough for 2022/23.

Councillor Chris Lomax was elected Deputy Mayor of the Borough for 2022/23.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, and seconded by Councillor Matthew Trafford, that Councillor Chris Lomax be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Borough of South Ribble for the forthcoming Council Year.

Resolved: (by majority 25:1:19) that Councillor Chris Lomax be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Borough of South Ribble for the forthcoming Council Year.

There was a brief adjournment to allow the Retiring Mayor and Mayoress; the newly elected Mayor and Mayoress; and the newly elected Deputy Mayor and Mayoress to exchange robes, badges of office and commemorative badges.

Councillor David Howarth in the Chair

On resuming the meeting, Councillor David Howarth signed the declaration of acceptance of office of Mayor and thanked Councillors for his appointment. He introduced his Mayoress for the year, Councillor Angela Turner.

Councillor Chris Lomax signed the declaration of acceptance of office of Deputy Mayor and thanked Councillors for his appointment.  He introduced his Deputy Mayoress for the year, his wife.

There was a brief adjournment to allow the guests of the retiring Mayor, Mayor and Deputy Mayor to leave the meeting. 

The Retiring Mayor will receive tributes following her year in office.

The Mayor thanked the Retiring Mayor, Councillor Jane Bell, along with her Mayoress, her daughter, for their hard work as ambassadors for South Ribble.

Political group leaders and other councillors also paid tribute to the Retiring Mayor and Mayoress for a very successful year and the positive work undertaken in the support of their charities.

Councillor Jane Bell responded, thanking Councillors for their kind words and support over the year.

She thanked her Mayoress, the Civic Attendant, the Mayor’s Secretary, Senior Business Systems Officer and Communications Officer and for all their support and assistance.

To note the appointment of the Deputy Leader and Members of the Cabinet appointed by the Leader of the Council; to note amendments to the Cabinet portfolios and to approve appointments to Lead Member roles. 

Noted.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, informed the Council of his appointments to the Executive Cabinet and portfolio support roles for 2022/23.

Councillor Paul Foster - Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Strategy and Reform)

·                 Corporate strategy

·                 Performance

·                 Public service reform

·                 Communications

·                 Events (including museums)

·                 Human resources and member development

·                 Strategic projects

·                 Waste collection

·                 Mental health awareness

Councillor Mick Titherington – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing)

·                 Community resilience and health inequalities

·                 Public health

·                 Environmental health

·                 Community safety

·                 Leisure policy development

·                 Homelessness

·                 Green agenda

·                 Air quality and climate change     

Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder – Cabinet Member (Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building)

·                 Customer services

·                 Community development / community hubs 

·                 Welfare assistance (including revenues and benefits)

·                 Neighbourhoods

·                 Digital strategy and ICT

·                 Wealth building

·                 Youth council

·                 Equality and diversity   

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson – Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets)

·         Finance

·         Medium Term Financial Strategy

·         Major developments and asset management to include, parks, open spaces and leisure and community assets 

Councillor James Flannery – Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration)

·                 Strategic Planning

·                 Regeneration master planning

·                 Housing strategy

·                 Licensing

·                 Economic development including support for business

·                 Car parking

Lead Members

·                Youth – Councillor Colin Sharples

·                Social Equality and Justice – Councillor Jacky Alty

·                Climate Change – Councillor Keith Martin

·                Mental Health Awareness – Councillor Ian Watkinson

Member Champions

·                Armed Forces – Councillor Derek Forrest

·                Older People – Councillor Jane Bell

·                Safeguarding – Councillor Jane Bell

To approve the appointment of Members of the Council to Committee’s Working Groups, etc for 2022/23.

Approved.

The Council considered a schedule of nominations for the appointment of committees, working groups and panels in accordance with the political balance of the Council, together with nominations to Chair and Vice Chair positions.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster proposed, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that

1.         The allocation of committee places in accordance with the Political Balance Rules be approved.

2.         The Members, Chairs and Vice Chairs for the committees, panels and working groups set out below be appointed for the period of twelve months until the first business meeting of the Council in May 2023. 

To approve the appointment of the Community Hub Chairs and Vice Chairs for 2022/23.

Approved.

A schedule setting out the Community Hubs Chairs and Vice Chairs was received.  It was noted that there were no changes proposed to the arrangements approved previously by the Community Hubs.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster proposed, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) the appointment of the Community Hubs Chairs and Vice Chairs for 2022/23 be as follows:

To appoint Members of the Council to represent the Authority on outside bodies in 2022/23. 

Approved.

A schedule of nominations for the appointment of Council representatives on outside bodies for the forthcoming Council year was considered.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster proposed, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that the appointment of Council representatives on outside bodies be as follows:

Appointments by role

General appointments

To note the programme of Council Meetings for 2022/23:

·                20 July 2022

·                21 September 2022

·                23 November 2022

·                25 January 2023

·                1 March 2023

·                29 March 2023

·                17 May 2023

·                24 May 2023

Noted.

Councillors noted the programme of Council Meetings for 2022/23 as follows:

·                20 July 2022

·                21 September 2022

·                23 November 2022

·                25 January 2023

·                1 March 2023

·                29 March 2023

·                17 May 2023

·                24 May 2023

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

Recommendations approved

i)          Annual Basic Allowances

That the basic allowance for Members should be £4,911.01.

ii)         Special Responsibility Allowances

That there should be Special Responsibly Allowances for the following roles at the level of remuneration indicated:

iii)        Co-Optees Allowances

That Co-optees should not be paid an allowance, but be paid reasonable out of pocket expenses.

iv)       Dependents Carers’ Allowance (Children Or Dependents)

To retain the arrangements under the current Scheme, which are that a dependent carers’ allowance be paid when expenditure is actually incurred for attendance at Council and Committee meetings and the allowance be actual cost up to a maximum of the Carers Allowance. The allowances are only payable subject to the production of receipts and where care is provided by a registered social care provider, nursery or childminder.

That all members of the Council should be made aware of this aspect of the Scheme and clearly visible within the Scheme.

v)         Travel & Subsistence Allowances

That an annual allowance of £ 407.57 be paid for out of pocket expenses which is uprated in accordance with the Consumer Price Index as per the current Scheme.

vi)       Green Travel Allowance

That the Lead Member for Climate Change be requested to explore the possibility of incorporating an incentive into the Scheme to promote “green” travel. The Panel supports and endorses such amendment to the Scheme and that it be recommended to Council for approval prior to the next review.

vii)      Suspension of a Councillor

That in the event of a Councillor being suspended the payment of the allowance should be suspended for the same period.

viii)     Other Recommendations

a)        That the Basic Allowance and the Special Responsibiliy Allowances continue to be updated in line with National Joint Council Pay Award for employees and that the Travel andSubsistence Allowances be uprated on an annual basis with effect from 1^st April in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published for the preceeding February.

b)        That the Lead Member allowance be backdated to the date of Council the roles were first created;

c)         That an Independent Remuneration Panel be convened every four years to coincide with Council’s electoral cycle in order that it can advise on any necessary changes to the Scheme or on those occasions when there are any substantial changes to the Council’s decision making structure.

Additional recommendation “to request the Independent Remuneration Panel reviews and further comments on the rationale for the Deputy Leader of the Opposition receiving a special responsibility allowance yet  ...  view the full decision text for item 13.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, introduced the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel which informed Council of the findings and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, which had completed a review of members’ allowances under the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003.

Members debated the proposed Special Responsibility Allowance for the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, noting there were no proposals for an allowance for Vice-Chairs of Committees. 

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington and subsequently Resolved (unanimously)

i)          Annual Basic Allowances

That the basic allowance for Members should be £4,911.01.

ii)         Special Responsibility Allowances

That there should be Special Responsibly Allowances for the following roles at the level of remuneration indicated:

iii)        Co-Optees Allowances

That Co-optees should not be paid an allowance, but be paid reasonable out of pocket expenses.

iv)       Dependents Carers’ Allowance (Children Or Dependents)

To retain the arrangements under the current Scheme, which are that a dependent carers’ allowance be paid when expenditure is actually incurred for attendance at Council and Committee meetings and the allowance be actual cost up to a maximum of the Carers Allowance. The allowances are only payable subject to the production of receipts and where care is provided by a registered social care provider, nursery or childminder.

That all members of the Council should be made aware of this aspect of the Scheme and clearly visible within the Scheme.

v)         Travel & Subsistence Allowances

That an annual allowance of £ 407.57 be paid for out of pocket expenses which is uprated in accordance with the Consumer Price Index as per the current Scheme.

vi)       Green Travel Allowance

That the Lead Member for Climate Change be requested to explore the possibility of incorporating an incentive into the Scheme to promote “green” travel. The Panel supports and endorses such amendment to the Scheme and that it be recommended to Council for approval prior to the next review.

vii)      Suspension of a Councillor

That in the event of a Councillor being suspended the payment of the allowance should be suspended for the same period.

viii)     Other Recommendations

a)        That the Basic Allowance and the Special Responsibiliy Allowances continue to be updated in line with National Joint Council Pay Award for employees and that the Travel andSubsistence Allowances be uprated on an annual basis with effect from 1^st April in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Communities.

1.         That Council approves the proposed scope of works identified for investment into the Council’s leisure centres as set out below in paragraph 20, which will complement the decarbonisation work already approved and delegates further changes or additions to the scope to the relevant Executive Member.

2.         That Council approves that a sum of £5,836,200 is reallocated from the £19m capital budget originally set aside for a new leisure centre to fund the proposed investments into the Council’s leisure centres. This is in addition to the £775k already approved at April

3.         Council. The remaining c£12.4m will be removed from the capital programme.

4.         That Council notes the proposed approach to procurement and that a report will come to June Cabinet seeking approval for the procurement strategy.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington, presented the report of the Director of Communities which made investment proposals for work at the Council’s leisure centres to compliment the decarbonisation work already agreed by the Council and related funding.

Members debated the proposals and support was expressed, particularly acknowledging the health and well-being benefits to the residents of the Borough.  The need to demonstrate value for money was noted and a report detailing project management and procurement would be presented to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

A request was made for the installation of stoma bag changing facilities and this would be investigated.  It was confirmed that the pool(s) would be retiled, but clarification would be provided to Councillor Mrs Smith following the meeting regarding an ‘integrity survey’ and how long the pool(s) would be closed for.    

The Mayor reminded all members of the need to be respectful during debate.

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To approve the proposed scope of works identified for investment into the Council’s leisure centres as set out below in paragraph 20, which will complement the decarbonisation work already approved and delegates further changes or additions to the scope to the relevant Executive Member.

2.         To approve that a sum of £5,836,200 is reallocated from the £19m capital budget originally set aside for a new leisure centre to fund the proposed investments into the Council’s leisure centres. This is in addition to the £775k already approved at April Council. The remaining c£12.4m will be removed from the capital programme.

3.         To note the proposed approach to procurement and that a report would come to June Cabinet seeking approval for the procurement strategy.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By Virtue of Paragraph 3: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Condition:

Information is not exempt if it is required to be registered under-

The Companies Act 1985

The Friendly Societies Act 1974

The Friendly Societies Act 1992

The Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1965 to 1978

The Building Societies Act 1986 (recorded in the public file of any building society, within the meaning of the Act)

The Charities Act 1993

Information is exempt to the extent that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Information is not exempt if it relates to proposed development for which the local planning authority may grant itself planning permission pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town & Country Planning General Regulations 1992(a).

Approved.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster proposed, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously)

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the disclosure of exempt information as defined by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of schedule 12A to the Local Government Act.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Commercial.

To note the update provided.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, presented the confidential report of the Director of Commercial.

The purpose of the report was to ensure all members were updated on the progress of the Leyland Town Deal. 

Members debated the update, including the potential for proposals to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Damian Bretherton and seconded by Councillor Peter Mullineax that ‘before any decision are made at the Executive Cabinet in June, that the papers are presented to a meeting of full Scrutiny Committee to assess all relevant information’. 

The Mayor declared that the amendment was lost (12:19:4).

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing), Councillor Mick Titherington, and subsequently

Resolved (19:12:4) that the updates within the report be noted.