Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Mayor invited Members to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

Councillors Paul Foster, Karen Walton and Angela Turner paid tribute and sent their condolences to the Royal Family.

Balloons and sky lanterns

The Mayor explained that he had decided to take this item next as the young lady who had inspired the Motion was in attendance with some of her school.

A motion was moved by Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Titherington, and seconded by Councillor Keith Martin.

The motion stated:

That this Council recognises and identifies the harmful impact of balloons and sky lanterns have on the environment in terms of carbon emissions and biodiversity.

To combat this threat, the borough bans the use, sale and distribution of balloons and sky lanterns on all council owned, operated and controlled land and at all Council events.

To implement this decision Council departments will be instructed not to use balloons or Sky Lanterns at any event and the estates department instructed to add a clause to all and any agreement to prohibit the use of balloons and sky lanterns. 

Hannah and Abi from Northbrook Primary Academy spoke in support.

Members spoke in support of the motion, including Councillors Jane Bell, Karen Walton, Angela Turner, Alan Oglilvie and Michael Titherington.

Resolved (unanimously) That the motion be supported.

Apologies were received from Councillors Carol Chisholm and Stephen Thurlbourn. 

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 July 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The Mayor reflected on the sad passing of former Mayoress, Mrs Cecila Palmer and Councillor Jane Bell’s daughter, Sarah. 

The Mayor gave an update on his recent engagements, including an event with Father Jonathan Cotton and the Benedictine Order from St Mary’s Church, Leyland, the opening of the Peace Garden at Midge Hall and the Proclamation of King Charles III. 

To receive and consider the report of the Cabinet held on 14 September.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 September. 

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, noted that there were financial pressures members needed to be aware of, including the forthcoming staff pay award and energy costs, but assured members that these issues were being planned for.

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.

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 26 July.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Governance Committee meeting held on 26 July.

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

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

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

Noted.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, introduced the report of the Deputy Chief Executive. 

Councillor Foster advised that despite the challenges and uncertainty resulting from the global pandemic (Covid-19) and other economic factors, the council has continued to deliver the priorities and projects set out in the 2021/22 Corporate Strategy successfully, whilst supporting businesses, leading community recovery, and maintaining high quality services.

Looking ahead, challenges for the council include continuing to support residents and businesses to recover following the pandemic, responding to anticipated increase inflation and the cost of living, increased demand for local services, and continuing to tackle climate change.

Councillor Caroline Moon arrived at 6:55pm.

Councillor Alan Ogilvie raised a query regarding when Worden Hall would be opening, and also, when it would start taking bookings.  Councillor Foster undertook to confirm these details for members after the meeting. 

In response to a query from the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton, members noted that the figure in relation to the council providing value for money (VFM) followed a positive VFM conclusion from the External Auditors and above average position in Local Government Association benchmarking for VFM. 

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

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Planning and Development.

1.         To note the changes to the Business & Planning Act 2020 introduced by The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

2.         To agree to extend the proposed duration of granting of pavement licences until 30^th September 2023 as per The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

3.         To confirm the level of fee charged in respect of applications for pavement licences issued under the Business & Planning Act 2020.

4.         To extend the delegated authority given to Officers.

The Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor James Flannery, introduced the report of the Director of Planning and Development. 

The report had been considered by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee earlier in the month and that the aim of this was to support businesses in the Borough.

The Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor James Flannery proposed, the Chair of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee, Councillor Jacky Alty seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously)

1.     To note the changes to the Business & Planning Act 2020 introduced by The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

2.     To agree to extend the proposed duration of granting of pavement licences until 30th September 2023 as per The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

3.     To confirm the level of fee charged in respect of applications for pavement licences issued under the Business & Planning Act 2020 as £100.

4.     To extend the delegated authority given to Officers.

To receive and consider three Notice of Motion.

Balloons and sky lanterns

Approved.

Warm Spaces

Approved.

Constitution amendment

Approved, subject to an amendment. 

Warm Spaces for South Ribble

A motion was moved by the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Angela Turner, and seconded by Councillor Harry Hancock.

The motion stated:

This Council notes that there is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK resulting in unprecedented financial pressures on our residents from all walks of life within our community this winter.

Council further notes that many of our residents are deeply concerned about whether they can afford to heat their homes as a result of this cost-of-living crisis.

As a result, Council resolves to review the use of all of our public buildings, and to work with partner organisations and community groups to do likewise, in order to establish and create free of charge “Warm Spaces” to be made available within South Ribble.

To give our residents the opportunity to utilise our buildings and community facilities to stay warm, and to be able to use such facilities with dignity and respect.

Council therefore resolves to establish a cross party working group to generate a plan for the provision of ‘Warm Spaces for South Ribble’ and its delivery in preparation for the ensuing winter.

Members spoke in support of the motion and the cross party working, including Councillors Karen Walton, Michael Titherington and Rene Blow.  Some work was already being undertaken in this important area. 

Resolved (unanimously) That the motion be supported.

Constitution amendment

A motion was moved by the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Angela Turner, and seconded by Councillor David Shaw.

The motion stated:

Council resolves to amend the constitution as follows

2E Planning Committee

2. Membership

(a) Political Balance. The committee is required to have proportional political balance in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989.

(b) Membership. 13 members of the council who are not members of the

cabinet.

(c) Chairing the Committee. Chairman appointed by the Council at the first business meeting of the new municipal year.

(d) Guidance. Members need to have regard to the ‘Guidance on Member involvement in Planning Procedures’ to be found in Appendix 3 to the Constitution.

Terms of reference for the planning committee.

5. To consider any application which, within 3 weeks of its validation, a member from the ward in which the application has been made, or member from an adjacent ward which the application directly affects, has requested the Director of Development, Enterprise and Communities in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee to refer to the Committee. Any request must be accompanied by appropriate planning reasons for the referral to the satisfaction of the said Director and Chair.

An amendment was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington.  This was accepted as a friendly amendment by the proposer and seconder. 

Deletes - 'Council Resolves to amend the constitution as follows'

Inserts - 'Council Resolves to request that the Governance Committee reviews the following suggested amendments to the Councils Constitution and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

Councillor Margaret Smith noted there had been some confusion with residents regarding the collection of their waste and recycling bins following the passing of the Queen and the Bank Holiday.  The Leader explained that various options had been considered, but the decision had been made to make all collections a day late.  This had been communicated to residents via social media channels and the community hubs etc.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton, noted the targets for the abandoned call rate within Gateway was currently underperforming, and queried when the targets were expected to be met for calls answered within 90 seconds and the abandoned call rate. 

The Leader noted that there were a number of pressures affecting Gateway, arising from Covid and processing the rebate from the Government, staffing shortages and recent successful recruitment.  Staff in Gateway required comprehensive training and this took some time.  The Leader undertook to provide more details following the meeting. 

There were two questions from a member of the public, S Cooper. 

1. When will the South Ribble museum be reopening? 

The Leader advised that while the museum had been closed officers had found a significant issue with damp and mould in the building, which means it is not safe to open the building to the general public.  A piece of work has been undertaken to look at the extent of the repairs required which is significant. Given the significant amount of investment needed an exercise is being undertaken to look at future uses of the building to ensure that the work that is carried out is done with this in mind. To that end there is no fixed date yet as to when South Ribble Museum will open, but hopefully spring next year.

2. Please could you explain about the recent article in the LEP regarding the costs of the refurbishment of the Vernon-Carus Cricket Club at Penwortham stated to be £265,000.  The BBC's programme showing the Cabinet meeting with Freddie Flintoff agree £200,000 with Freddie donating £25,000 of his own money and raising another £25,000, so why is SRBC paying £265,000?

The Leader explained that the original budget was established for £175k.  £150k funded by the Section 106 receipt (as part of the arrangements for the transfer of land at the Vernon Carus Sports Club and Penwortham Reservoir to the Council from Lane End Developments Construction Ltd) and a transfer of £25k from the existing, approved, Leisure Local budget.  

At Cabinet in November 2021, at the time the documentary was filmed, an increase of £75k was approved, funded by £50k of new external funding (i.e. from Mr Flintoff and his associates) and £25k from the Council’s internal resources.

Further to this in January 2022, after the filming of the documentary and on refinement of the schedule of works, the budget was increased by a further £15k through a virement from the approved, existing ‘Leisure Local’ capital budget.

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

Councillor Caroline Moon noted frustrations with the booking system for swimming at Leyland Leisure Centre, with a requirement to book in advance, but spaces available during the booked slot due to swimmers not attending. 

Councillor Titherington agreed to review this. 

Councillor Margaret Smith queried the progress on the refurbishment of the Leisure Centres and related budget. 

Councillor Titherington noted there was an item later on the agenda relating to the refurbishment. 

There was a question from a member of the public, J Hurley. 

The council passed a Notice of Motion in January 2020 opposing the closure of Chorley and South Ribble A & E.  Is there any scope to meet with Councillors to discuss the New Hospitals programme or the new Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)?  Particularly regarding details about the New Hospitals Programme and public scrutiny of the ICB’s. 

Councillor Titherington noted that all members shared concerns regarding the New Hospitals Programme and agreed to meet as requested if the resident contacted him by email to arrange this. 

Cabinet Member (Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building) –

Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder

Councillor Damian Bretherton queried why ‘welcome to Walton Park’ sign had been rejected by the Community Hub. 

Councillor Bylinski Gelder explained that similar welcome projects were in place around the Borough and that decisions on these projects were made by the Hubs themselves.

Councillor Damian Bretherton noted that the railings around the perimeter of the Bells Way play area had not been painted for some time.  Materials had been supplied, but not the labour for the work to be undertaken.

Councillor Bylinski Gelder explained that decisions on these projects were made by the Hubs themselves.

Councillor Damian Bretherton requested the balance of the budget for the Walton-le-Dale ward in May 2019 and to date. 

Councillor Bylinski Gelder noted that the budget position was set out within the reports, but details would be shared following the meeting. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton, queried a delay in organisations receiving funding from the Boost fund and the Leisure Local fund.

Councillor Bylinski Gelder noted that there are a need to undertake due diligence and follow the process required.  There had been communication with the relevant groups regarding timescales. 

Councillor Caleb Tomlinson queried if the Cabinet Member was aware of welcome signs at a number of areas within South Ribble. 

Councillor Bylinski Gelder advised she was not. 

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Angela Turner, queried the process for signing off the Boost funding by the Leader of the Council and herself as Cabinet Member, suggesting that the decision making should be bottom up. 

Councillor Bylinski Gelder noted that the Hubs had determined the projects to move forwards initially following suggestions from the community.  The final decision was taken based on what the Hubs had put forward.  The sign off process had been put in place following a discussion with auditors and officers. 

Councillor Phil Smith suggested the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

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 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By Virtue of Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

Condition:

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 of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and it was 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 paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of schedule 12A to the Local Government Act.

To receive and consider the report of the Chief Executive. 

To approve the changes proposed to the council’s management structure within the review of management capacity.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, introduced the confidential of the Chief Executive. 

The report presented the review of management capacity and sought approval for changes to the council’s management structure to ensure that it is able to deliver its priorities. 

Members debated the proposals, including the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Karen Walton, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster and Councillor Matthew Tomlinson,

It was noted that the Shared Services Joint Committee was cancelled due to the sad passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but noted the Joint Committee was not a decision making body.  There was a desire to implement the structure to enable the priorities of the council to be delivered. 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster proposed, the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington seconded, and it was Resolved (by majority 28:20:0)

To approve the changes proposed to the council’s management structure within the review of management capacity.

For: Will Adams, Jacky Alty, Jane Bell, Renee Blow, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Mal Donoghue, James Flannery, Derek Forrest, Paul Foster, Harry Hancock, David, Howarth (Mayor), Chris Lomax, Mick Higgins, Clare Hunter, Lou Jackson, Susan Jones, Keith Martin, Colin Sharples, David Shaw, Mick Titherington, Caleb Tomlinson, Matthew Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner, Kath Unsworth, Ian Watkinson, Paul Wharton-Hardman, Carol Wooldridge. 

Against: Damian Bretherton, Julie Buttery, Matt Campbell, Colin Coulton, Mary Green, Michael Green, Jon Hesketh, Cliff Hughes, Jim Marsh, Caroline Moon, Jacqui Mort, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, John Rainsbury, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, David Suthers, Karen Walton, Gareth Watson, Barrie Yates. 

The Mayor has agreed to accept this as an urgent item as new information has been received and a decision is required to enable the project to continue. 

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

To approve the recommendations as set out in the report.

The Mayor advised he had agreed to accept this as an urgent item as new information had been received and a decision was required to enable the project to continue.

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

The report provided an update on the current project to decarbonise the Leisure Centres following the grant award of £4,968,854.00 from Salix.  The report also described the rationale for an alternate procurement strategy.

Members debated the proposals, including Councillor Alan Ogilvie, and noted the challenging timescales and difficulties in the construction industry with escalating costs at the current time. 

A further report would be presented to the next meeting. 

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 Council pursues an alternate procurement strategy in relation to the decarbonisation works, aligning them with the wider refurbishment works.

2.     That the Council appoints a contractor through direct award via the RISE framework to enable better co-ordination of decarbonisation and refurbishment works and better manage risk and disruption.

3.     To confirm direct purchase of mechanical and electrical (M&E) equipment (Air Source Heat Pumps) already ordered via the existing framework contractor to ensure cost certainty to the value £1,790,000.