The Mayor invited Members to observe a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillors Barbara Askew, Sheila Jenkinson and Tom Sharratt.

Councillors Margaret Smith, Matthew Tomlinson, Carol Wooldridge, David Howarth and the Mayor paid tribute and sent their condolences to the families.

Apologies were received from Councillors Jaqui Mort, Stephen Thurlbourn and Barrie Yates.

Councillor David Suthers 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 (by majority 44:0:1)

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 September 2021 be approved as a correct record, subject to an amendment on item 56 Questions to Cabinet Members, Questions to the Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration) to remove ‘and the loss of income for the car park on that day’ and insert ‘and if there were alternative plans in the event the current plan was called in.’

For: Will Adams, Jacky Alty, Jane Bell (Mayor), Renee Blow, Damian Bretherton, Julie Buttery, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Matt Campbell, Carol Chisholm, Colin Coulton, Mal Donoghue, Bill Evans, James Flannery, Derek Forrest, Paul Foster, Mary Green, Michael Green, Harry Hancock, Jon Hesketh, Mick Higgins, David Howarth (Deputy Mayor), Cliff Hughes, Clare Hunter, Susan Jones, Chris Lomax, Jim Marsh, Keith Martin, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, John Rainsbury, Colin Sharples, David Shaw, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, Mick Titherington, Caleb Tomlinson, Matthew Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner, Kath Unsworth, Karen Walton, Ian Watkinson, Gareth Watson, Paul Wharton-Hardman and Carol Wooldridge

Abstention: Caroline Moon. 

Notice of the following motion has been submitted. The motion is proposed by Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder and seconded by Councillor Ange Turner.

Supported.

The Mayor explained that due to the number of members of the public who were in attendance for this item she had decided to take this item first.

A motion was moved by Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Cabinet Member (Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building), and seconded by Councillor Ange Turner.

The motion stated:

‘Women and girls of South Ribble are suffering from misogyny, expressed in sexual harassment, domestic abuse and death. Lancashire women suffer a higher than average rate of deaths – the femicide census ranks Lancashire as 11th highest in numbers for female killings in a list of 42 police forces in England and Wales (2009-18). Currently, only 12 forces around the country record Misogyny. Misogyny affectseveryone, not just women.

We call upon the Council to write to the Minister of State for Crime and Policing, KitMalthouse, the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, with the following requests:

-That the Government prepares legislation to make misogyny a hate crime, to be recorded as such by all police forces across the UK, and prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service. Currently only 12 forces to do this and Lancashire is not one of them.

-That police forces should be required to record all instances of femicide, the killing of a woman or girl by a man, with immediate effect.

-That a task force be set up before the end of this year to assess the extent and impact of incel (involuntary celibate) groups both online and offline, and to work with voluntary groups and experts who have already begun work in this field.

-That all incidents of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, assault, grievous bodily harm or sexual assault and rape, should be prosecuted automatically without the victim being required to make a formal complaint.

-That policing resources should be increased to ensure that police forces are able to deal with these new responsibilities. At the very least they should return to pre 2010 strength’.

An amendment to the motion was tabled by the Conservative Group but the Mayor ruled that the amendment was considered a new motion. 

Members spoke in support of the motion, including Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Mick Titherington, Jacqui Alty, Kath Unsworth, Paul Wharton-Hardman, Karen Walton and David Howarth.

One member of the public spoke in support. 

Resolved (by majority 44:0:1)

That the motion be supported.

For: Will Adams, Jacky Alty, Jane Bell (Mayor), Damian Bretherton, Julie Buttery, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Matt Campbell, Carol Chisholm, Colin Coulton, Mal Donoghue, Bill Evans, James Flannery, Derek Forrest, Paul Foster, Mary Green, Michael Green, Harry Hancock, Jon Hesketh, Mick Higgins, David Howarth (Deputy Mayor), Cliff Hughes, Susan Jones, Chris Lomax, Jim Marsh, Keith Martin, Caroline Moon, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, John Rainsbury, Colin Sharples, David Shaw, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, Mick Titherington, Caleb Tomlinson, Matthew Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner, Kath Unsworth, Karen Walton, Ian Watkinson, Gareth Watson, Paul Wharton-Hardman and Carol Wooldridge. 

Abstention: Renee Blow. 

The Mayor gave an update on her recent duties, and noted that she would be raising a flag for White Ribbon Day the following day.  This would mark the start of a 16 day campaign to end violence against women.

To receive and consider the report of the Returning Officer.

Noted.

Members received the report of the Returning Officer, Gary Hall. 

The report informed the Council that the person duly elected as a councillor for the Bamber Bridge East ward by-election on 18 November 2021 was Clare Hunter.

Members from across the political parties welcomed Councillor Hunter to the 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 Cabinet held on 13 October.  The report from the meeting held on 17 November will follow.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Cabinet meetings held on 13 October and 17 November.

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.

These urgent decisions include ‘key’ decisions taken by the Executive (i.e. Cabinet of Individual Executive Members) as defined in the Cabinet Forward Plan / Notice of Executive Decisions, decisions which include confidential or exempt information, and urgent decisions for which the Mayor agreed to waive scrutiny call-in. For clarification, these do not relate to urgent decisions arising from the COVID pandemic.

Members noted that these measures should be used sparingly. 

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 Finance and Statutory Finance Officer.

1.         To note the contents of the report including the updated performance indicators.

2.         To note the Council’s current position regarding its portfolio of investment assets.

Members received the report of the Director of Finance.  The Capital Strategy was approved by Council alongside the budget on 23 February 2021.  The requirements of the Prudential Code 2017 mean the Council must produce a Capital Strategy report and monitor it once a year.

A more thorough evaluation of business cases is being developed to ensure the Council fully evaluates the rewards and risks of new investments.  This will be shared with Councillor Alan Ogilvie once completed.

It was proposed by the Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To note the contents of the report including the updated performance indicators.

2.         To note the Council’s current position regarding its portfolio of investment assets.

To receive and consider the report of the Governance Committee held on 29 September.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Governance Committee meeting held on 29 September.

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

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Scrutiny Committee held on 12 October, Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on 15 November (to follow) and associated Task Groups.

Noted.

Members received a general report of the Scrutiny Committee held on 12 October and the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on 15 November.

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

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

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

That the Corporate Strategy 2021/22 – 2023/24 be approved.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sought approval for the refresh of the Corporate Strategy 2021/22 – 2023/24.

The proposed strategy builds on a year of significant progress to deliver the corporate priorities, while continuing to deliver excellent quality services, providing support to residents in response to the pandemic. The Corporate Strategy for 2020 delivered key outcomes including new affordable housing units, implementing the new community hub model, progress with Worden Hall and the Leyland Town Deal and establishing a joint partnership comprised of key partners for Chorley and South Ribble.

Fifteen priority projects have been identified for delivery over the next 12-18 months, including work to support thriving communities through the enhancement of community hubs and a programme of events and attractions to provide things to do and places to go.

An Exemplary Council

·                Deliver the peer challenge action plan to ensure continued improvement

·                Deliver the shared services development plan to build a more resilient organisation

·                Implement more efficient and effective working practices at the council through the Workplace Strategy

·                Deliver more joined up public services through working with our partners

A fair local economy that works for everyone

·                Deliver transformational regeneration projects including the Town Deal

·                Support communities to access community cooperatives in South Ribble as part of growing a fair local economy

·                Support residents to recover from the pandemic with advice, support and key services

Thriving communities

·                Develop the Youth Council to make sure the views of young people are represented

·                Deliver Music in the Park 2022 and Queens Jubilee Celebrations

·                Review and enhance the community hubs as a primary way to work closely with residents

·                Develop the visitor offer in South Ribble

Good homes, green spaces, healthy places

·                Improve leisure facilities in South Ribble to improve wellbeing

·                Deliver the new Worden Hall complex as a flagship venue

·                Lead action to address climate change for South Ribble

·                Deliver affordable homes

The strategy includes 27 performance indicators to measure and report against in order to demonstrate success and progress towards achieving the priorities and long-term outcomes. All of the measures and targets have been reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain challenging to reflect Council ambition.

It was clarified that the homes being created at the McKenzie Arms will be social housing at affordable rent.  The issue of ‘right to buy’ is currently being investigated. 

Members discussed performance indicators and noted different opinions on whether indicators were sufficiently challenging or consistent.  Indicators would be reviewed as the Strategy moved forwards.  

It was noted that the draft Corporate Strategy had been considered by the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel. 

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 (by majority 28:0:18)

That the Corporate Strategy 2021/22 – 2023/24 be approved.

For: Will Adams, Jacky Alty, Jane Bell (Mayor), Renee Blow, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Mal Donoghue, Bill Evans, James Flannery, Derek  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

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

1.         That the Leader of the Council is appointed to Chorley and South Ribble Partnership Executive.

2.         Additional recommendation: that Councillor Clare Hunter be appointed to the Planning Committee and Councillor Colin Sharples to become a reserve in place of Councillor Matthew Trafford).

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, presented the report of the Director of Governance which sought approval for changes to appointments to South Ribble Partnership following its amalgamation with Chorley Public Service Reform Board.

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 (45:0:1)

1.         That the Leader of the Council is appointed to Chorley and South Ribble Partnership Executive.

2.         Additional recommendation: that Councillor Clare Hunter be appointed to the Planning Committee and Councillor Colin Sharples to become a reserve in place of Councillor Matthew Trafford).

For: Will Adams, Jacky Alty, Jane Bell (Mayor), Renee Blow, Damian Bretherton, Julie Buttery, Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Matt Campbell, Carol Chisholm, Colin Coulton, Mal Donoghue, Bill Evans, James Flannery, Derek Forrest, Paul Foster, Mary Green, Michael Green, Harry Hancock, Jon Hesketh, Mick Higgins, David Howarth (Deputy Mayor), Cliff Hughes, Clare Hunter, Susan Jones, Chris Lomax, Keith Martin, Caroline Moon, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, John Rainsbury, Colin Sharples, David Shaw, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, Mick Titherington, Caleb Tomlinson, Matthew Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner, Kath Unsworth, Karen Walton, Ian Watkinson, Gareth Watson, Paul Wharton-Hardman and Carol Wooldridge

Abstention: Jim Marsh

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson asked if the Leader agreed identity theft is unacceptable.  Councillor Foster agreed and commented on some unfortunate incidents during the recent by-election campaign by some. 

Councillor Will Adams asked if the Leader would meet with himself and a local campaign to support the campaign in relation to the proposed Health and Care Bill.  The Leader agreed and expressed his opposition to the proposed Bill.

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson asked if the Leader would agree for the Mayor to write to officers to thank them for their work on the new logo following comments by an online reviewer.  The Leader agreed. 

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

Councillor Matthew Trafford asked for a meeting with the Cabinet Member and a representative from Preston Prison to discuss mental health issues faced by young adults who commit crime as an alternative to homelessness, and what action can be taken from a housing perspective to assist offenders on release back to South Ribble.  Councillor Bylinski Gelder supported this request.

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

Councillor David Howarth asked what constituted a majority and noted recent comments on social media relating to investments made at Birch Avenue.  Councillor Tomlinson acknowledged the project was being delivered in conjunction with the Liberal Democrat Group. 

Councillor Bill Evans – Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration)

Councillor Phil Smith queried the number of businesses supported by the boost program in South Ribble and how much money has been spent.  Councillor Evans undertook to supply this information following the meeting. 

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, 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 Planning and Development.

That the report and the presentation be noted.

The Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor Bill Evans, presented the confidential report of the Director of Planning and Development which advised Council of an emerging development proposal. 

A presentation was given by interested parties in the emerging development.  This will be shared when appropriate. 

It was proposed by the Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration, Councillor Bill Evans, seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously)

That the report and the presentation be noted.