Agenda and minutes

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Tommy Gray to the Council meeting as the newly elected member for Euxton North and also welcomed Councillor Mark Perks back after a period of absence due to ill health.

Councillor Paul Leadbetter raised an issue on the resolution on minute 15.C.280 and queried why work to create a car park on land on the corner of High St and Cleveland St had commenced when as yet, no pre-let agreements for the Market Walk extension had been signed. Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Council responded that it had been funded from the town centre budget to create more car parking before Christmas.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the last meeting of the Council held on 22 September 2015 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Mayor.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

There were no declarations of interest received.

The Returning Officer to report that Councillor Tommy Gray has been elected to the Euxton North ward following the recent by – election.

The Mayor reported formally that Councillor Tommy Gray had been elected to serve Euxton North ward at the recent by-election on 29 October 2015.

The Mayor thanked everyone who had attended the Remembrance Sunday services at St Laurence Church and the Cenotaph and also gave an update on her forthcoming fundraising events which included Christmas by Candlelight at Astley Hall on 11 December; a Christmas Soul Night on 18 December; a Charity Burns Supper on 23 January; and her Charity Ball on 5 February.

She thanked those who had supported her fundraising to date, particularly Councillor Khan for her sponsored fast during Ramadan.

Members of the public who have requested the opportunity to ask question(s) on any item(s) on the agenda will have three minutes to put their question(s) to the relevant Councillor. Members of the public will be allowed to ask one short supplementary question.

There were no public questions for consideration.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources presented the proposed Corporate Strategy for the Council for 2015/16 to 2017/18.

The report provided a summary of the performance of the Strategy in 2014/15 which had been strong, with the progression of a number of major projects. This was backed up by the results of a residents’ satisfaction survey.

The Corporate Strategy in its current form had been in place for 3 years and a refresh had been undertaken to ensure it remained relevant, particularly in terms of public services reform and working in partnership with local communities and other public service providers.  The refreshed strategy had 16 projects with a focus on delivering some large scale ambitious schemes.

Councillor Alistair Bradley referred to the number of projects delivered over the last 3 years, particularly in the light of cuts in local government funding.

Alternative Corporate Strategy

Councillor Paul Leadbetter then presented the Conservative Group’s proposed Corporate Strategy alongside background information about how the vision, priorities and objectives had been developed. The Strategy would be delivered through a series of projects. The Corporate Strategy overview was contained in an Appendix to the report along with the more detailed project overviews.

Members debated both sets of proposals.

Councillor Paul Leadbetter proposed and Councillor Greg Morgan seconded the Alternative Corporate Strategy. On being put to the vote, it was LOST.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources proposed, Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Council seconded and it was RESOLVED - That the Corporate Strategy 2015/16 to 2017/18 as submitted by the Executive Member for Resources, be approved.

To consider the attached report of the Project Director.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Council presented the final report resulting from extensive work undertaken into Future Governance models for the Council and public services in Chorley.

·         a changing legislative and policy context

“Chorley Council will provide leadership and services which protect vulnerable people and are focussed on preventing the need for a reliance on more expensive service provision. The Council will:

·         deliver high quality services that meet the needs of its residents and communities

·         work with its partners to integrate  services regardless of existing organisational boundaries

·         focus on preventative services, and services which support communities and individuals to remain independent and self-sufficient

·         promote Chorley as a great place to live, work and do business”

Following the compilation of a detailed evidence base, including the financial viability of a unitary authority; the Commission on the Future of Public Services in Chorley; and the Chorley Conversation; the Working Group considered five high level governance options:

·         Status quo

·         Traditional unitary authority

·         Integrated district council

·         Integrated district council across wider geography; and

·         Integrated public services.

The conclusion was that the integrated public services model was the most likely governance model to achieve the objectives and vision of the Council in public service reform. In terms of deliverability however, at this stage it was proposed that the integrated district model should be adopted - whilst still retaining the longer term vision of fully integrated public services.

The report further proposed service design principles the Council should adopt across all services it provides or commissions. The next steps towards a new governance model included the development of a transformation strategy for the organisation which would be considered by Executive Cabinet in January. This would look at organisational change to meet the challenges ahead, including different roles for both staff and councillors, working to new organisation and business models and making greater use of technology and information management.

In debate, there was general support for the recommendations presented by the Leader of the Council. Members discussed how local government would be forced to undergo radical change in the future and that there was a need to work together to be ahead of that change.

Questions were raised regarding the partners who were willing to work with the Council and how this fit with the work of the Public Services Reform Board. Work was underway with a number of health partners, the fire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.C.288

Councillor Perks left the meeting at this point.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources presented a report on the scope and principles of a review of the Council’s management structure, prior to informal consultation with staff.

The review was the start of the implementation process for the new governance model for Chorley, ensuring that the Council had a management structure that could accommodate future public services reform.

The review would seek to reduce management costs and create a flatter management structure; promote the adoption of the new service design principles; target resources to priority areas; and group functions with similar characteristics.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources proposed, Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Council seconded and it was RESOLVED - That the commencement of a review of the Council’s management structure be approved with the timescales as set out in the report.

To consider the attached report of the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report on the development of a Combined Authority for Lancashire, following the findings of a governance review which had been undertaken to establish the effectiveness of current working and the potential benefits of more formalised joint working.

A Combined Authority is a formal legal agreement for collaboration and co-ordination between a number of authorities on transport, regeneration and economic growth as well as skills, housing and employment. These functions were likely to be broadened under new legislation being considered by the Government. Each Council would remain a separate authority, but the Combined Authority would be a formal mechanism to work in partnership more effectively.

In the last 12 months, authorities in Lancashire – the County Council, two unitary councils and the district councils, have been working to consider the best way forward and had completed a governance review which was appended to the report and which included a number of ambitions for Lancashire as follows:

·                Prosperous Lancashire – a Lancashire that is recognised as a destination of choice, to invest in, do business in, live or visit;

·                Connected Lancashire – digital and transport connectivity to promote inclusive growth;

·                Skilled Lancashire – a skilled workforce to meet the demands of employers and future business growth;

·                Better Homes for Lancashire – better living standards for residents with good quality homes and a wide housing offer;

·                Public services working together for Lancashire – integrated public services at the heart of local communities given everyone the opportunity for a healthier life.

The conclusion of the governance review, agreed by Lancashire Leaders in September 2015, was that a Combined Authority would offer the strongest governance model to attract freedoms and flexibilities from the Government and would enable a more cohesive approach across Lancashire. Councillor Bradley was currently chairing a Working Group of Lancashire Leaders to progress their work towards the development of a shadow authority. The draft scheme for the establishment of the Combined Authority included details of membership; voting arrangements; decision making processes; scrutiny; finance and the potential powers and functions the body would have.

The report also referred to the devolution deal which some Combined Authorities had negotiated to gain additional and greater powers and devolved funding for their area. A devolution deal would need the agreement of the constituent authorities.

The Leader reported that during December and January, all Lancashire authorities would be considering a similar report on a proposed Combined Authority for Lancashire, at their Council meetings and if there was general support as expected, a public consultation exercise would take place in January/February with stakeholders, residents, businesses and community groups to seek their views. The outcome of the consultation would then see those authorities in support of a Combined Authority submitting a joint proposal to the Secretary of State for consideration. This may also include devolution proposals.

In debating this item, there was full, cross party support from Members for the Council’s participation in a Combined Authority for Lancashire.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.C.290

To nominate newly elected Councillor Tommy Gray to the following two committees:

·         Councillor Gray to fill the vacancy on General Purposes Committee

·         Councillor Gray to replace Councillor Margaret Lees on Licensing and Public Safety Committee.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of the Council moved and Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources seconded and it was RESOLVED –

That Councillor Gray be appointed to General Purposes Committee; and also to the Licensing and Public Safety Committee to replace Councillor Margaret Lees.

The Local Government Boundary Commission is due to consult on the next stage proposals for the Electoral Review of Lancashire. This information will be issued as soon as it becomes available. The consultation period commences 17 November and runs until 11 January 2016.

Members considered a report on the draft recommendations issued by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) on new electoral arrangements for Lancashire County Council. The recommendations were subject to consultation, with a closing date of 11 January 2016.

At a meeting in July 2015, Chorley Council had agreed to put forward a submission evidencing the need for 8 County Electoral divisions for Chorley, based on the population growth forecast for Chorley and the number of divisions which were already currently outside the 10% variance in electorate. Two potential proposals for the revised configuration of the 8 divisions had been agreed, both of which had received the support of all political parties on the Council.

The draft recommendations from the LGBCE under consideration, proposed 8 County Electoral Divisions for Chorley and were in line with one of the divisional configurations put forward by the Council, with the exception of a boundary change in Chorley Central and Chorley South which affected around 600 voters.

Councillor Paul Leadbetter indicated that his group has some concerns about the draft recommendations but would put forward their views separately.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed and Councillor Peter Wilson seconded and it was RESOLVED – that the Council supports the draft recommendation of the LGBCE, as set out in their submission issued 17 November 2015.

To consider the attached report on the findings of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Members considered a report of the Independent Remuneration Panel which, in line with the requirements of the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, required the Members Allowances scheme to be reviewed at least every 4 years.

The Panel had met to undertake the review and had considered comparative information from other local authorities in Lancashire; the results of a survey of Chorley Councillors regarding the current scheme; and an update on previous issues relating to travel which had been considered by the Panel.

The Panel Members were of the view that no changes were needed to the current scheme as it continued to compare favourably with other schemes in Lancashire and Members generally were satisfied with the level of allowances paid.

Councillor Paul Leadbetter proposed and Councillor Greg Morgan seconded an amendment to the recommendations which excluded the proposal to give Members the option of submitting either paper forms or using the electronic claims system.

On being put to the vote the amendment was LOST

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed and Councillor Peter Wilson seconded and it was RESOLVED

Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Graham Dunn

“There is a growing demand and insufficient provision of social housing for rent in the Chorley Borough area, and the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme as proposed by the government in its current format presents difficulties to Chorley Borough Council in its efforts to see an increase in the supply of new appropriate housing on a replacement basis when a dwelling is sold. Therefore Chorley Council proposes the following:

·         That the government follows the leadership of the Scottish Government in reversing the Right to Buy scheme for council houses.

·         That the proposal to extend the Right to Buy scheme to housing associations be abolished

·         That the proposal to manage welfare spending by controlling social rents be abolished as this goes against the move in 2012 to relinquish central government control and to allow councils and other local housing providers more freedom to manage their housing portfolios.

·         That the Chief Executive of Chorley Council sends this resolution to the Secretary and Shadow Secretary of state for DCLG and the Housing and Shadow Housing Minister, the 2 MP’s whose constituencies cover our Borough, and the various Housing Associations which operate within our Borough boundary. “

Councillor Graham Dunn submitted the following motion, seconded by Councillor Paul Walmsley.

“There is a growing demand and insufficient provision of social housing for rent in the Chorley Borough area, and the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme as proposed by the government in its current format presents difficulties to Chorley Borough Council in its efforts to see an increase in the supply of new appropriate housing on a replacement basis when a dwelling is sold. Therefore Chorley Council proposes the following:

·         That the government follows the leadership of the Scottish Government in reversing the Right to Buy scheme for council houses.

·         That the proposal to extend the Right to Buy scheme to housing associations be abolished

·         That the proposal to manage welfare spending by controlling social rents be abolished as this goes against the move in 2012 to relinquish central government control and to allow councils and other local housing providers more freedom to manage their housing portfolios.

·         That the Chief Executive of Chorley Council sends this resolution to the Secretary and Shadow Secretary of state for DCLG and the Housing and Shadow Housing Minister, the 2 MP’s whose constituencies cover our Borough, and the various Housing Associations which operate within our Borough boundary. “

Following debate, it was RESOLVED – that the motion be supported.

To consider a report of the Director of Customer and Advice Services (to follow).

The Mayor advised Members of the Council that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.