Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Colin Coulton and David Suthers.

Councillor David Suthers attended the meeting virtually on Microsoft Teams.

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.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record for signing by the Mayor.

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record for signing by the Mayor.

The Mayor gave an update on the engagements he had carried out across the Borough since the last meeting including visiting Our Lady and St Gerard’s Primary School, International Women’s Day and meeting with South Ribble Youth Council.

The Mayor also thanked the Deputy Mayor for deputising at the second birthday of Read Easy Preston and at the Celebration of Scouting at Samlesbury Hall.

To receive and consider the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 March 2023.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 15 March 2023.

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 meeting of the Governance Committee held on 7 March 2023.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Governance meeting held on Tuesday 7 March 2023.

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

Resolved: (Unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee held on 20 March (to follow), and the meeting of the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on 13 March 2023.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Scrutiny Committee held on Monday 20 March 2023 and the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on Monday 13 March 2023.

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

Resolved: (Unanimously) that the report be noted.

No questions were asked.

No questions were asked to Cabinet Members.

The Mayor acknowledged that a public question had been sent in for the Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration) and a suitable response had been provided.

The Mayor explained that there was several awards to present in relation to long service and retiring members:

32 Years’ Service

·       Councillor Barrie Yates

20 Years’ Service

·       Councillor Colin Coulton

·       Councillor Derek Forrest

·       Councillor Michael Green

·       Councillor Peter Mullineaux

12 Years’ Service

·       Councillor Jane Bell

·       Councillor Renee Blow

·       Councillor Sue Jones

·       Councillor Keith Martin

·       Councillor Caroline Moon

Retiring Members:

·       Councillor Renee Blow

·       Councillor Derek Forrest

·       Councillor Jon Hesketh

·       Councillor Mick Higgins

·       Councillor Cliff Hughes

·       Councillor Sue Jones

·       Councillor Jim Marsh

·       Councillor Caroline Moon

·       Councillor Jacqui Mort

·       Councillor Alan Ogilvie

·       Councillor Stephen Thurlbourn

·       Councillor Mick Titherington

·       Councillor Matthew Trafford

·       Councillor Carol Wooldridge

·       Councillor Barrie Yates

Group Leaders spoke and paid tribute to all members, both those with long service and retiring members.

Other members also spoke and paid tribute to their colleagues.