Agenda and minutes

Council observed a minutes silence as a mark of respect for former Councillor Ken Jones who had recently passed away.

Councillors Paul Foster, Alan Ogilvie and David Howarth paid tribute to their former friend and colleague and sent their condolences to Councillor Susan Jones and her family at this sad time.

Apologies were received from Councillors Colin Clark, Jacqui Mort, John Rainsbury, Stephen Thurlborn and Paul Wharton-Hardman.

Members are requested to notify Democratic Services, by 4.00pm on the day of the meeting, of any items on the agenda in which they have an interest and the nature of the interest. They should do so by email to democraticservices@southribble.gov.uk.

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 the item.

Where 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 a Member’s judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may stay in the meeting to make representations, answer questions or give evidence relating to the item but then must withdraw from the meeting for the remainder of that item. Where such an interest is in an item to be discussed in exempt session, members are reminded that they must withdraw from the meeting for the whole of that item.

Councillors Michael Green and Mary Green declared a personal interest on Item 15 – Notice of Motion. On behalf of the Labour Group, Councillor Paul Foster declared a personal interest on Item 15 – Notice of Motion for their involvement in the campaign.

Minutes of the Council meeting held on 29 January 2020 for signing by the Mayor.

Minute 94 to be amended to reflect that Councillor Aniela Bylinski-Gelder stated that if Councillor Paul Wharton-Hardman put his question to her in writing, she would respond via email.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the Council meeting held on 29 January 2020 be approved as a correct record for signing by the Mayor.

The Mayor provided an update on events he had recently attended and his forthcoming engagements.

To receive and consider the proposal for Councillor Alan Ogilvie to be appointed as Deputy Armed Forces Champion.

Council considered a proposal requested by the Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Derek Forrest, for Councillor Alan Ogilvie to be appointed as Deputy Armed Forces Champion.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That Councillor Alan Ogilvie be appointed at Deputy Armed Forces Champion.

To receive and consider the report of the Cabinet held on 12 February 2020 attached.

Members considered the general report of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2020.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, advised that the Redundancy Policy, Pay Policy and 2020/21 Budget papers considered at the Cabinet meeting would be discussed later in the meeting. It was reported that Cabinet also considered the Quarter 3 Performance Monitoring Report that provided an update on the first period of performance against the objectives of the Corporate Plan 2019-23. Cabinet were pleased to note that the majority of projects were on track, in particular the improvements made to call waiting times in Gateway.

With regard to the budget monitoring for quarter 3, the Leader reported that an underspend was expected. The Cabinet approved that a Credit Union reserve be created to ensure the most vulnerable residents have access to credit. A proposed cost of £150,000 would be required to set up the Reserve for the first three years.

The Leader of the Council reported that Cabinet were also pleased to approve the capital and revenue costs to bring Worden Hall back into use with the aim to generate annual operational surplus. This was subject to the approval of the capital programme as part of the budget approval process. The submission of a planning application was also approved.

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

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Governance Committee held on 28 January 2020 attached.

Members considered a general report of the Governance Committee meeting held on 28 January 2020.

The Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ian Watkinson reported that audit work was still ongoing. Assurances were provided that good progress was being made in relation to the Internal Audit, Performance Management and GDPR where work was being undertaken in relation to compliance.

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

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel meeting held on 10 February and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 11 February and 13 February 2020 attached.

Members considered the general reports of the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel meeting held on 10 February and the Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 11 February (Call-in) and 13 February 2020.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor David Howarth, reported that the budget and performance panel were pleased to note that 43 out of 46 projects had been met or were ongoing within the agreed targets. Members of the Committee were satisfied with the significant improvements, including the performance of the Council’s business and conference centre and commended the reduction in the call waiting times at Gateway.

With regards to the budget monitoring 2019/20, an underspend of £272,000 was forecast. In response to Members’ queries around the forecasted staffing underspend, the Chair reported that the Council were actively trying to fill vacancies and there had been an increase in staff recruitment.

A special meeting was held on 11 February following receipt of a call-in request, relating to the Cabinet decision to implement the recommendations of the Strategic Review of Community Involvement, including My Neighbourhoods Final Report. Following discussion, upon taking the vote, the motion was lost and the request for call-in was dismissed.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee advised that discussion regarding Worden Hall, and the 2020/21 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2020/21 to 2023/24 was undertaken at the Scrutiny meeting on 13 February.

Councillor Derek Forrest advised that he had attended the call-in meeting as an observer. In response to his query about a signatory of the call-in being sat on the panel Councillor David Howarth proposed that the constitution be reviewed in relation to this. Councillor Michael Green advised that the current standing orders permit that a signatory can sit on the panel although suggested that these be looked at in the future.

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

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

A verbal Member Development update will be provided at the meeting.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster provided a verbal update on the work of the Member Development Steering Group and gave an appraisal of the training and development opportunities that have recently been delivered. The Leader asked that all Members be sent a copy of the update.

It was reported that Personal Development Plans were being rolled out to all Members over the coming weeks. Following the final Mandatory GDPR training session, there were still eight members who hadn’t completed the training. It was asked that a push be made on this to ensure 100% attendance by the next council meeting in April.

The Member Induction consultation had been reissued to groups via Members of the Steering Group for completion. The Leader of the Council thanked officers for delivering the Budget briefing for Members on Saturday, 22 February.

Councillor Margaret Smith queried why the Member Development Update had become a verbal update and suggested that a report received in advance on the agenda would be of greater benefit to Members. The Leader advised that this was simply an update for Members at the meeting with detailed feedback to be provided via the groups. The Annual Report would be going to Council later in the year.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Vice-Chair, Councillor Carol Wooldridge, and subsequently

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

Council considered a report of the Interim Chief Executive that informed members of the revised Redundancy Policy.

The council’s redundancy policy was last reviewed in 2014, at this time the number of weeks payable increased by a multipler of 2.2. This was incrementally removed over two years and the policy now only pays redundancy compensation for both Compulsory and Voluntary redundancy on the statutory number of weeks entitlement.

The Leader of the Council commended the report which proposed to reintroduce the multiplier of 2.2 for compulsory redundancies and give the Head of Paid Service delegated authority, for those seeking voluntary redundancy, to enhance the compensation payment up to equivalent of 2.2. Reassurances were made that there were no redundancies planned.

Mike Shaw, Unison Branch Representative for South Ribble, thanked the Leader for bringing forward the proposals and advised how much it would mean to staff if approved.

It was moved by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Mick Titherington and subsequently

RESOLVED (Yes: 27 No:17):

That Council approve the inclusion of the revised redundancy policy in the Pay Policy.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

Council considered the Pay Policy report which informed Members of the Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 so that it could be agreed and published to allow the Council to comply with legislative requirements.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster commended the Pay Policy which included changes for apprentices and South Ribble becoming a Living Wage Employer. It was explained that the changes will ensure that with effect from 1 April 2020, an apprentice will receive the National Minimum Wage for the upper age band of 25 and over, regardless of the age of the apprentice (currently £8.72 per hour). Subject to satisfactory performance in the workplace and satisfactory progress on qualification, the apprentice will move onto the Living Wage hourly rate for the second year of the apprenticeship.

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 Council approve the Pay Policy Statement 2020/21.

Report of the Interim Section 151 Officer attached.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer outlined the procedure for how the budget would be considered at the meeting, including the Council Tax vote being included within the budget. Councillor Margaret Smith requested that vote on Council Tax be taken separately as this was an individual statutory item. Members agreed that the vote be taken separately.

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets) presented the Cabinet’s 2020/21 Revenue Budget for the Council and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for the next four years. This was the financial plan for the next four years, which was aligned to and supported the Corporate Plan and in delivering the Council’s ambitions and services for residents.

Councillor David Howarth, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group commended the budget proposals and stated the Group’s support.

It was moved by Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, seconded by Councillor Paul Foster that:

1.    Council approve the revenue budget for 2020/21 as set out in Appendix A.

2.    Council approve that 4-year Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2020/21 to 2023/24

3.    Council approve a Council Tax increase of 1.99%

4.    Council approve the Capital Strategy, Prudential Indicators and the Annual Investment Strategy as attached at Appendix D

5.    Council approve the Investment Property Strategy attached at Appendix E

6.    Council note the outcome of the budget consultation process

7.    To approve in principle a community loan to Hoole Village Hall for £150,000, subject to completion of a due diligence process. There will be a further report to Cabinet setting out the details and making recommendations once this process is concluded.

Councillor Damian Bretherton advised that although the opposition supported most of the budget proposals, they did not support the Capital Strategy or Investment Property Strategy.

Due to potential risk, it was suggested that the Investment Property Strategy be considered as a separate paper by the Governance Committee. It was also proposed that the Mackenzie Arms Scheme be revisited. The Conservative Group also identified seven Capital Schemes which they considered a priority and therefore proposed that they be added to the Capital Programme.

An amendment to the Motion was moved by Councillor Damian Bretherton, seconded by Councillor Alan Ogilvie to:

Approve the proposals for seven new capital schemes, as set out in the amended report, totalling £585,000 to the 2020/21 capital programme.

In accordance with Rule 14.12 in Part 4 of the Constitution, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets released the closure motion and proposed the vote on the amendment be taken. This was seconded by Councillor Paul Foster.

In accordance with Rule 16.5 in Part 4 of the Constitution, the voting on the Amended Motion was recorded and the Members of the Council present at the time, voted as follows:

FOR THE AMENDED MOTION:

Councillors Damian Bretherton, Matt Campbell, Carol Chisholm, Colin Coulton, Mary Green, Michael Green, Jon Hesketh, Cliff Hughes, Jim Marsh, Caroline Moon, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, David Suthers, Karen Walton, Gareth Watson, Barrie Yates.

AGAINST THE AMENDED MOTION:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Report of the Director for Customer and Digital attached.

Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets presented the report to enable the Council to calculate and set the Council Tax for 2020/21. The report provided details of the precepts set by the Parish and Town Councils, Lancashire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire and Lancashire Combined Fire Authority for 2020/21.

It was moved by Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, seconded by Councillor Paul Foster:

That the formal Council Tax Resolution for 2020/21 as set out in the report be approved.

In accordance with Rule 16.5 in Part 4 of the Constitution, the voting on the Motion was recorded and the Members of the Council present at the time voted as follows:

FOR THE MOTION:

Councillors Will Adams, Jackie Alty, Jane Bell, Renee Blow, Damian Bretherton, Aniela Bylinski-Gelder, Matt Campbell, Carol Chisholm, Colin Coulton, Mal Donoghue, Bills Evans, James Flannery, Derek Forrest, Paul Foster, Mary Green, Michael Green, Harold Hancock, Jon Hesketh, Mick Higgins, David Howarth, Cliff Hughes, Susan Jones, Chris Lomax, Jim Marsh, Keith Martin, Christine Melia, Caroline Moon, Peter Mullineaux, Alan Ogilvie, Colin Sharples, David Shaw, Margaret Smith, Phil Smith, David Suthers, Mick Titherington, Caleb Tomlinson, Matthew Trafford, Angela Turner, Karen Walton, Ian Watkinson, Gareth Watson, Carol Wooldridge, Barrie Yates

AGAINST THE MOTION:

None

That Mayor declared that the Motion was carried unanimously, and it was

RESOLVED:

That the formal Council Tax Resolution for 2020/21 as set out in the report be approved.

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

Council considered a report of the Director of Planning and Property which recommended that Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding and Statement of Co-operation (Relating to the Provision and Distribution of Housing Land) which had been subject to consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal, Councillor Bill Evans reminded Members that the draft MoU was considered by Full Council in November 2019. For the sake of consistency with the other two Central Lancashire authorities, the final MoU and report of consultation were being referred back to Full Council at this time.

It was reported that 27 responses had been received over the 2-week consultation period between 4 November 2019 and 15 November 2019. Feedback from this initial consultation suggested that the consultation period was too short and therefore the consultation was reopened for further a 5-week period between 9 December 2019 and 13 January 2020. A further 10 responses were received during this time.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that final housing figures meant a distribution of 32.5% or 334 Homes to be built as a minimum per annum in South Ribble. Councillor Bill Evans also highlighted an amendment to recommendation 2 which recommended that authority would be delegated to the Director of Planning and Property, not the Deputy Chief Executive as stated in the report.

Councillor Alan Ogilvie requested reassurances in regard to the potential risks associated with the MoU, the legal position with the MoU not using the Standard Housing Figures, and the consequences for South Ribble if Preston and Chorley failed to meet their minimum housing figures.

The Cabinet Member responded to state that the risks had been considered. The total number of dwellings shared between the three authorities was 1026 per annum. If one authority under-delivered this would be picked up by the remaining authorities and vice versa.

With regard to the Government’s Standard Housing Method figures, the figures were constantly changing and therefore any specific questions should be directed at relevant officers.

It was proposed by Councillor Bill Evans, seconded by Councillor Paul Foster and subsequently

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

1.    That Council approves the Memorandum of Understanding and Statement of Co-operation between the Central Lancashire authorities as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, to take effect immediately following the approval by Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Council;

2.    That Council delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Property to amend the revised Memorandum of Understanding and Statement of Co-operation by way of minor alterations which do not effect the substance or general content of the said document prior to it taking effect;

3.    That Council note that on the date of effect, the Memorandum of Understanding and Statement of Co-operation will be implemented for Development Management purposes in the determination of planning applications;

4.    That Council agree the preparation of a single five-year housing land supply for the purposed of determining planning applications and appeals which will include sharing information about specific sites.

Notice of the following motion has been submitted in accordance with standing order number 10(2). The motion is proposed by Councillor Chris Lomax and seconded by Councillor Will Adams.

“South Ribble Borough Council notes the recent proposals published by Our Health, Our Care regarding the future of Accident & Emergency services in the Chorley and South Ribble and Hospital. The report indicates that any A&E provision at Chorley & South Ribble Hospital would not be viable. The Council strongly opposes any proposal to close Chorley & South Ribble Accident and Emergency department.

The Council believes such a proposal would have a detrimental impact on the quality of local health care for the local population and health care for our residents Lancashire wide and even further. This was evidenced when Chorley and South Ribble A&E closed in 2016. South Ribble Borough Council believes that Chorley & South Ribble Hospital needs a 24 hour Accident & Emergency department.

This Council resolves:

·       To oppose any closure or downgrading of A&E services across the County of Lancashire.

·       To instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health asking for them to intervene and invest in strengthening and enhancing all current A&E provision across Lancashire.

·       To write to the Chief Executive and Board of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust asking them to address the reasons why the A&E at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital is not deemed viable rather than simply propose to close the unit”

Councillor Chris Lomax thanked Councillor Michael Green for suggesting the friendly amendment in advance of the meeting in line with the Lancashire County Council’s recent Notice of Motion and outlined the need for a 24-hour A&E at Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital.

Councillor Michael Green thanked Councillor Chris Lomax for accepting the friendly amendment and reiterated the need to Members to stand united on this issue for the residents of South Ribble and Chorley.

The agreed amended motion was moved by Councillor Chris Lomax, seconded by Councillor Will Adams.

The agreed amended motion stated:

“South Ribble Borough Council notes the recent statement published by Our Health, Our Care regarding the future of Accident & Emergency services at Chorley & South Ribble Hospital. The report indicates that A&E provision at Chorley & South Ribble Hospital would not be viable in the long term. The Council is concerned by any proposal to close Chorley & South Ribble Hospital's Accident and Emergency department.

The Council is concerned such a proposal could have a detrimental impact on the quality of health care for the local population and health care for our residents Lancashire wide and even further. South Ribble Borough Council believes that patients who previously used the A&E Department at Chorley & South Ribble Hospital need access to a sustainable and viable 24-hour Accident & Emergency department.

This Council resolves:

• To oppose any closure or downgrading of Chorley and South Ribble Hospital A&E services and A&E services across the County of Lancashire without clear truly independent clinical justification and a thorough public consultation.
• To instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Health asking for them to commit to, and invest in, strengthening and enhancing all current A&E provision across Lancashire.
• To write to the Chief Executive and Board of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust asking them to exhaust all possible avenues in evaluating and addressing the reasons why the A&E at Chorley & South Ribble Hospital is not deemed viable rather than simply propose to close the unit.”

The motion was debated across the Chamber, with Councillors, Michael Green, David Howarth, Matthew Trafford and Will Adams speaking in favour.

Members discussed the negative impact the closure was having on local residents as well as the A&E Departments at neighbouring hospitals. Members recognised the hard work of the campaign team who had campaigned tirelessly, and special thanks were extended to those, including the late Councillor Ken Jones, who had campaigned every Saturday outside the hospital since the A&E’s closure.

The vote on the motion was taken and was subsequently

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

The motion was carried.

No questions were received.

Questions to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure).

Following the approved Notice of Motion, Councillor Matthew Trafford asked if the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure would write to the South Ribble MP to publicly endorse the decision. Councillor Mick Titherington undertook to do so.

In response to a question from a Member of the Public regarding the felling of trees at Shruggs Wood and the removal of the fence at the biological heritage site, the Cabinet Member advised that a full detailed written response had been provided to the resident in advance of the meeting addressing their concerns.

Councillor Mick Titherington explained that a full consultation had previously taken place and himself and Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, as ward Councillors, had met with residents to discuss the work being undertaken. Reassurances were given that any health and safety issues at the site would be addressed and over 200 additional trees would be planted. Due process had been considered throughout the works and Members would continue to engage with residents going forward.

Questions to the Cabinet Member (Community Engagement, Social Justice and Wealth Building).

No questions were received.

Questions to the Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets).

No questions were received.

Questions to the Cabinet Member (Environment).

No questions were received.

Questions to the Cabinet Member (Planning, Regeneration and City Deal).

Councillor Phil Smith asked the Cabinet Member if there was an update on the Leyland Board. The Cabinet Member, Councillor Bill Evans responded that another meeting had taken place to discuss projects including the Town Centre Masterplan. The meeting was well attended by Partners including Runshaw College and local businesses who were working together with the support of the MP. The appointment of Chair was still outstanding, and as this was critical to the community led process, it was hoped a Chair would soon be appointed.

Questions to the Chairs of Committees

No questions were received.

Questions to the Chairs of My Neighbourhood Areas

No questions were received.

Questions to Member Champions.

As newly appointed Deputy Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Alan Ogilivie asked the Armed forces Champion, Councillor Derek Forrest if a meeting could be set up as soon as possible with themselves and relevant officers. Councillor Derek Forrest agreed to undertake this request.

Questions to representatives of Outside Bodies.

No questions were received.