Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Mayor invited Members to observe a minute’s silence in memory of former councillor, Mayor and Freeman of the Borough, Jim Breakell.  

Councillors Karen Walton, Margaret Smith, Paul Foster, Angela Turner, Derek Forrest, Jane Bell and the Mayor, David Howarth paid tribute and sent their condolences to the families.

Apologies were received from Councillors Julie Buttery, Cliff Hughes, Caroline Moon, Colin Sharples and Barrie Yates.

Councillor Derek Forrest 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.

Councillor Michael Titherington declared a personal interest in item 14. Investment in Leisure Local Facilities as a member of Fox Lane Sports and Social Club. 

Approved.

Resolved: (Unanimously) That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday, 18 May 2022 be approved as a correct record, subject to an amendment on 16 Leyland Town Deal Land Acquisitions - the deletion of the numbers relating to the amendment as lost and substantive motion as carried by majority. 

The Mayor gave an update on his recent engagements, particularly a visit to Schleswig Flensburg to re-open lines of communication between the twin towns. 

The Mayor congratulated Gary Hall, Chief Executive, and his Senior Leadership Team on winning the Municipal Journal Local Government Achievement Award for the Senior Leadership Team 2022.

Jerry Hawker will deliver a short presentation.  There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Jerry Hawker, Executive Director for the New Hospitals Programme, gave a short presentation, including the next steps. 

Members thanked Mr Hawker for the presentation and supported the proposals for implementation as soon as practicable, including Councillors Paul Foster, Phil Smith, Alan Ogilvie, Will Adams, Renee Blow, Gareth Watson, Stephen Thurlbourn.

It was noted that NHS staff were vital, in addition to the facilities within the new hospital and excellent local services to prevent hospital admissions where possible.  It was confirmed that no hospitals would be closed as part of the program and that future proofing was an important consideration, including parking / transport issues.   

The Mayor thanked Mr Hawker for his presentation.  

To receive and consider the report of the meetings of Cabinet held on 20 June and 30 June 2022.

The report of the meeting of 13 July 2022 will come to follow.

Noted. 

Members received a general report of the Cabinet meeting held on 20 June, 30 June and 13 July 2022.

In response to a query from the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton the Leader clarified that Lancashire County Council, as the authority with responsibility for highways and transport, had not approved Midge Hall Railway Station as part of their Levelling Up Fund bid. 

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) that the report be noted.

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

Noted. 

The Mayor advised he had accepted this as an urgent item to ensure members were kept informed of urgent decisions in a timely manner.  The item had been omitted from the agenda in error.  

Members received a report setting out a number of urgent decisions taken in accordance with urgency procedures outlined in the Council’s Constitution since the report to the last meeting of Council.

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) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Governance Committee held on Tuesday 24 May 2022.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Governance Committee meeting held on 24 May 2022. 

It was proposed by the Vice Chair of the Governance Committee, Councillor Colin Sharples, seconded by Councillor Margaret Smith and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Scrutiny Committee held on 12 July and the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on 20 June will come to follow.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Scrutiny Committee held on 12 July and the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on 20 June.

Members discussed the purpose of Scrutiny was to pose questions and to constructively challenge the Executive.  It was noted that there would be differences in opinion across political parties. 

Councillors Karen Walton, Angela Turner, Paul Foster, Matt Trafford, Michael Green, Stephen Thurlbourn and Keith Martin contributed to the debate.   

It was proposed by the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Angela Turner, seconded by Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Michael Green and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

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

That members consider their role as community leaders and the implications of their conduct on the public perception of the council and councillors.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer, Chris Moister, presented his report which informed councillors of the content of the Local Government Association report “Debate not Hate”, to update on the progression of the consideration of the new model code of conduct and to remind members of their obligations under the Code. 

It was acknowledged that members will not always agree with each other but should disagree respectfully.  Member behaviours, governed by the Code of Conduct, and the impact and influence these behaviours had on the wider public perception of what was acceptable were considered.

At 7.50pm several members of the Standards Committee left the meeting, including Carol Chisholm, Jacqui Mort, David Suthers, Alan Ogilvie and Carol Wooldridge. 

A number of members shared their thoughts on the report and their experiences as Councillors, including Councillors Karen Walton, Paul Foster, Jacky Alty, Keith Martin, Matthew Tomlinson, Caleb Tomlinson, Mary Green, Paul Wharton-Hardman, Jon Hesketh, Gareth Watson, Phil Smith, Margaret Smith, Stephen Thurlbourn, Matt Trafford and Will Adams. 

Members thanked Chris Moister for the report and the useful discussion it had prompted. 

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) That members consider their role as community leaders and the implications of their conduct on the public perception of the council and councillors.

Councillors Carol Chisholm, Jacqui Mort, David Suthers, Alan Ogilvie and Carol Wooldridge returned to the meeting at 8.15pm. 

To appoint

·                Councillors Julie Buttery and Alan Ogilvie as the Conservative group substitutes on the Standards Committee

·                A ’top up’ Conservative member for the Police and Crime Panel. 

Approval to appoint

1.         Councillors Julie Buttery and Alan Ogilvie as the Conservative group substitutes on the Standards Committee

2.         Councillor Karen Walton as a ’top up’ Conservative member for the Police and Crime Panel.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Councillor Phil Smith and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously) to appoint

1.     Councillors Julie Buttery and Alan Ogilvie as the Conservative group substitutes on the Standards Committee

2.     Councillor Karen Walton as a ’top up’ Conservative member for the Police and Crime Panel.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Change and Delivery.

Noted the report and progress to date.

Members received a report from the Director of Change and Delivery which presented the outcome of the Local Government Association (LGA) peer review six-month revisit.

The report highlighted the progress that been made in delivering the action plan in response to peer recommendations and encouraged the council to continue to focus on `key areas of improvement.

Members, including Councillors Karen Walton, Paul Foster, Phil Smith, Stephen Thurlbourn and Matthew Tomlinson contributed to the debate and noted the importance of staff surveys, regular 121’s and meeting regularly with the staff forum. 

It was noted that the political composition noted on page 52 of the report incorrectly stated there was a vacant seat on the council. 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster proposed, the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and it was

Resolved (unanimously) that the report and progress to date be noted.

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

1.         Noted the work undertaken by the cross-party Climate Emergency Task Group.

2.         Noted the current carbon footprint of both the Council and the borough.

3.         Noted the actions and progress made towards the Climate Emergency and Air Quality Action Plans and wider agenda.

4.         Approved the updated Climate Emergency Strategy.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington, presented the report of the Director of Communities which provided members with an update on the work undertaken on the Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan.

In July 2019 the Council declared a Climate Emergency and set a goal of rendering the borough net-carbon neutral by the year 2030 and a cross-party Climate Emergency Task Group was formed to work with officers to achieve this goal.

Members congratulated the Task Group and officers on the progress made.  A query was raised by Councillor Alan Ogilvie on page 97, Figure 11 - Carbon footprint reduction options for 2020 – 2030 as to where the council were at the current time and any initiatives that needed to be accelerated to meet the target set.  It was acknowledged that the target was ambitious and challenging for the right reasons. 

Members, including Councillors Keith Martin, Stephen Thurlbourn and Mick Titherington discussed the roll out programme for electric vehicle charging points and noted that there had been restrictions imposed.  Details on when Electric Vehicle charging points would be installed will be shared with members as progress was made. 

New areas where mobile air monitoring devices, potentially near the entrance to Leyland Motors and motorway junctions within the Borough were welcomed as suggestions.  Air quality was a complex issue and a change in behaviour in people was required in addition to other measures.

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

1.     The work undertaken by the cross-party Climate Emergency Task Group be noted.

2.     The current carbon footprint of both the Council and the borough be noted.

3.     The actions and progress made towards the Climate Emergency and Air Quality Action Plans and wider agenda be noted.

4.     Approval granted to the updated Climate Emergency Strategy.

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

1.         That the report be noted. 

2.         Adoption of the Biodiversity Strategy and Interim Action Plan.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington, presented the report of the Director of Communities which sought approval and adoption of the draft Biodiversity Strategy and Interim Biodiversity Action Plan. 

Members thanked the Task Group and officers for the work undertaken in the production of the report. 

The rewilding of areas was considered, and points were raised by Councillors Damian Bretherton, Keith Martin, Chris Lomax, Phil Smith, Renee Blow and Gareth Watson.  It was noted that discussions would take place with ward councillors prior to any future rewilding projects and how these were communicated with residents would also be reviewed.  Changes were required within the Planning process from the government moving forwards. 

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

1.     That the report be noted.

2.     Approval granted to the Biodiversity Strategy and Interim Action Plan.

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

1.         Noted and approved the investment proposal for Fox Lane Sports and Social Club. This project is ready-to-go and funding can be provided immediately once grant agreements are in place.

2.         Noted and approved the investment proposal for Penwortham Priory. Funding to be provided up to the proposed value, subject to final quotes from contractors.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington, declared a personal interest in this item as a member of the Fox Lane Sports and Social Club. 

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington, presented the report of the Director of Communities which set out investment proposals for leisure local facilities, more specifically:

- Fox Lane Sports and Social Club, aiming to improve community and sporting facilities, whilst making the site more inclusive and accessible.

- Penwortham Priory Academy, providing refurbishment of currently run-down toilets and changing facilities.

Councillors Renee Blow and Jon Hesketh left the meeting at 9.05 pm. 

Members debated the proposals, including Councillor Paul Foster, Alan Ogilvie, Karen Walton and Mick Titherington.

It was acknowledged that there were lots of benefits to the proposals for young people and also for the mental health of residents generally, and those residents who have already benefited from invested in Leisure Local, particularly at Vernon Carus. 

The options to fund the proposals were under consideration and would ensure value for money and to for the community.  Partnership agreements would be drawn up to ensure that community use of the facilities was effectively monitored. 

Proposals relating to Balshaws School had been initiated by the school and would continue, in addition to other schools across the Borough. 

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, and subsequently Resolved (41:0:1)

1.      Approval granted for the investment proposal for Fox Lane Sports and Social Club. This project is ready-to-go and funding can be provided immediately once grant agreements are in place.

2.      Approval granted for the investment proposal for Penwortham Priory. Funding to be provided up to the proposed value, subject to final quotes from contractors.

For: Councillors Will Adams, Jacky Alty, Jane Bell, Damian Bretherton, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Matt Campbell, Carol Chisholm, Colin Coulton, Mal Donoghue, James Flannery, Paul Foster, Mary Green, Michael Green, Harry Hancock, Mick Higgins, David Howarth (Mayor), Clare Hunter, Lou Jackson, Susan Jones, Chris Lomax (Deputy Mayor), Jim Marsh, Keith Martin, Jacqui Mort, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, John Rainsbury, David Shaw, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, David Suthers, Stephen Thurlbourn, Caleb Tomlinson, Matthew Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner, Kath Unsworth, Karen Walton, Ian Watkinson, Gareth Watson, Paul Wharton-Hardman and Carol Wooldridge.

Against: None.

Abstain: Councillor Mick Titherington.

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

1.         Noted the town twinning update.

2.         Ratified the addendum to our town twinning partnership agreement as outlined at Appendix 3.

3.         Approved the creation of a town twinning cross-party member working group as outlined in the report.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, introduced the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer which updated members on the recent successful civic visit to the Borough’s twin town, Schleswig Flensburg and to ratify an addendum to the partnership agreement. 

 The report also outlined the Council’s commitment to strengthen the relationship with the twin town for the benefit of our communities and proposed the creation of a new cross party member working group.

Members supported the proposals, including Councillors Margaret Smith, Jane Bell and Gareth Watson.

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

1.     That the town twinning update be noted.

2.     That the addendum to our town twinning partnership agreement be ratified.

3.     That the creation of a town twinning cross-party member working group as outlined in the report be approved.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, presented the Mayor, Councillor David Howarth, with the framed addendum to the town twinning partnership agreement. 

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

1.         Approval to create a new budget provision of £60,000 from directorate underspends and reserves to allow the council to secure the acts for next year’s event.

2.         To note the intention to seek a waiver of contract procedure rules for the event partner UK Media & Events Ltd.

3.         To note a further paper will come to council with more detailed plans and a request for further budget to allow the necessary expenditure prior to receiving income from ticket sales.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, introduced the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which outlined plans for next year’s Music in the Park event and requested a budget to allow officers to book the acts in advance.

The feedback received from the inaugural event this year was overwhelmingly positive and there was a desire to establish an event that attracts people to South Ribble from across the North West to support the local economy. 

Members, including Councillor Karen Walton and Phil Smith, raised queries on the proposals.  The specialised nature of the event and the need for a trusted provider was acknowledged. 

Members discussed the timing of the event next year (May/June) but noted this could be led to some extent by the availability of the acts.  The possibility of extending the event to a two-day event to take more advantage of the infrastructure while it was in place was noted.  Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be possible to tie in with the Leyland Festival next year as there were no four-day bank holidays planned which had facilitated this in June.

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

1.     Approval granted to create a new budget provision of £60,000 from directorate underspends and reserves to allow the council to secure the acts for next year’s event.

2.     The intention to seek a waiver of contract procedure rules for the event partner UK Media & Events Ltd was noted.

3.     It was noted that a further paper would come to council with more detailed plans and a request for further budget to allow the necessary expenditure prior to receiving income from ticket sales.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Change and Delivery. 

1.         Approval to commence the shared services review for the Property and Assets function including staff consultation and engagement in line with the process set out in the report.

2.         Approval for the approach to reviewing further opportunities for sharing following the phase 3 service reviews, with any proposals to be considered by Full Councils prior to service reviews taking place.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, presented the report of the Director of Change and Delivery which outlined the proposed approach for the delivery and implementation of phase 3 of shared services.

In line with agreements made by the two partners, the scope of the shared services arrangement between Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council had increased considerably in the last two years. From the longstanding shared financial and assurance services, shared services now included 47% of the workforce for the two councils.

It was proposed that the next phase of shared services consists of the Property and Asset functions. This had been determined by evaluating opportunities for sharing across the councils, alongside prioritising services for review based on the areas where sharing would have the most beneficial impact.

The report had been considered at Shared Services Joint Committee in June.

Members discussed the issues faced by local government in recruiting and retaining staff.  Lessons had been learned from earlier phases of shared services and these would be taken forward.  It was noted that the staff survey results within shared services had been more favourable than for those staff outside the sharing arrangements. 

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

1.         Approval granted to commence the shared services review for the Property and Assets function including staff consultation and engagement in line with the process set out in the report.

2.         Approval granted for the approach to reviewing further opportunities for sharing following the phase 3 service reviews, with any proposals to be considered by Full Councils prior to service reviews taking place. 

Councillor Michael Green, on behalf of some businesses in Leyland, raised some queries relating to events over the Jubilee weekend.  How many businesses were invited to provide food and alcohol and was a tender exercise undertaken?  Hough Lane was closed to traffic over the Jubilee weekend which impacted on businesses in the area.  He queried the procurement undertaken and requested assurances for future events.

Councillor Foster advised that the event had been organised by the Leyland Town Team and that all businesses in Leyland were members of the Town Team.  He requested that correspondence was forwarded to enable him to respond to the business directly.  He noted that, following the event, a number of businesses had requested the road be closed on occasion in the future.

Councillor Kath Unsworth asked if the Leader was aware of the trainer tree, in aid of refugees who were in need of new and nearly new trainers.  These could be left with Gateway.  She also queried if the Leader was aware of Councillor Connect and if this was an effective method of communication with members. 

Councillor Foster urged all members to support the trainer tree initiative.  He undertook to review Councillor Connect as it was not available to access via iPads and ensure future effective communication with members. 

Councillor Alan Ogilvie queried the council’s support regarding rising energy bills, particularly those who lived in properties above Band D.  A discretionary fund had been initiated by the government and queried how much had been allocated to South Ribble and how residents could access this. 

Councillor Foster advised he would confirm the detail of how much was allocated following the meeting.  An urgent decision had been published outlining the details of the discretionary fund which could be found here.

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

Councillor Karen Walton requested assurance that ward Councillors would be consulted on the location of future rewilding initiatives. 

Councillor Titherington agreed this would be positive as there was a desire to have everyone signed up to the initiative.  He also invited members to get in touch to review areas where rewilding could take place. 

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

There were no questions. 

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

Councillor Caleb Tomlinson noted the work undertaken in Holme Park, Bamber Bridge by the Neighbourhood Team and officers should be congratulated. 

Councillor Tomlinson agreed and noted further work on play grounds scheduled. 

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

Councillor Karen Walton noted the nuermous emails received objecting to the proposed development at Cuerdale and queried if this caused issues with the email system.  She noted issues relating to biodiversity, erosion and the potential building of homes on green belt, not currently in the local plan.

Councillor Flannery noted the number of emails received.  He acknowledged that the application would be considered by colleagues on the Planning Committee.  The emerging Local Plan was under development and he agreed that proposed developments in the green belt should be considered in line with the policies within the Local Plan. 

Councillor Michael Green thanked Councillor Flannery for his response to a previous question regarding takeaway establishments near schools.  He inquired about the progress of the Local Plan and suggested a policy which promoted the building of bungalows and also a policy regarding climate change.

Councillor Flannery advised that the issue of takeaways and hot food near schools was required to be part of the Local Plan, rather than a Supplementary Planning Document, and acknowledged the frustration regarding this.  A policy would be developed regarding bungalows and further work would be undertaken regarding a climate change policy as these were  important issues where Planning Policy could positively impact. 

Councillor Alan Ogilvie noted that changes had been made to the fees and charges for car parking in November 2020, but that this had not been implemented and signage not updated. 

Councillor Foster advised this was due to supply issues with the ticket machines.  Councillor Flannery undertook to review the signage and update it if possible. 

Councillor Phil Smith requested that the report for the planning application at Cuerdale two weeks in advance of the meeting.

Councillor Flannery agreed this would be helpful and advised he would do his best to ensure the report was published two weeks in advance of the meeting.

Councillor Paul Wharton-Hardman left the meeting at 10.05pm.

Councillor Caleb Tomlinson noted a number of the emails received in objection to the planning application at Cuerdale appeared to be from one particular household? 

Councillor Flannery speculated that the household in question was feeling frustrated by the proposals