Agenda and minutes

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.

Councillor Alan Cullens requested an amendment to the minutes of the last Council meeting in relation to Minute No 16.C.378 Market Walk Extension (paragraph 3 on page 11) where he said his objections in relation to risk were because of the absence of a formal risk assessment.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the last Council meeting held on 20 September 2016 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Mayor, subject to the Executive Leader and Councillor Cullens agreeing to revised wording in relation to risk - paragraph 3, page 11 Minute No 16.C.378 refers.

The Mayor provided an update on her fundraising activities and it was noted that her tandem skydive had raised £3,600 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

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 Director of Policy and Governance on recommendations of the Public Services Transformation Working Group on 9 November 2016.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader presented a report on recommendations from the Public Services Transformation Working Group which had met earlier in November to look at future governance models in the light of recent developments:

·         An LCC statutory services budget review which has concluded that the authority does not currently have a sustainable financial position. LCC has commissioned PWC to undertake work to develop a new public services operating model for Lancashire which will be completed in December but has already warned of the possibility of Secretary of State intervention.

·         Nationally there have been a number of proposals for local government reorganisation to introduce different governance models. The Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 contains provision for the Secretary of State to agree proposals for local government reorganisation, even where one Council objects.

·         A letter from Lindsay Hoyle MP was appended to the report calling on Chorley Council to consider how best to safeguard residents from cuts in services.

The Working Group had considered these issues alongside the previous recommendations for new local government structures under the Future Governance Viability Working Group, and the ongoing challenges of reduced funding for local government and services. Members had concluded that a new model authority, based on the borough boundaries (as detailed below) offered the best way forward at the current time.

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

1.         That the recommendations which were accepted following the future governance models report, remained relevant to the emerging challenges in Lancashire.

2.         That the Council should seek to work with local authorities within Lancashire to change local government structures so they are sustainable and enable public service reform.

3.         That the Council agrees that a new model authority (as set out in the table above) based on the borough boundaries, working with other local authorities within central Lancashire, is the most advantageous in terms of achieving sustainable public services while retaining community identity and local accountability. 

To consider the attached report of the Director of Policy and Governance.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader presented the proposed Corporate Strategy for the Council for 2016/17 to 2018/19.

The report provided a summary of the performance of the Corporate Strategy in 2015/16 with a number of large schemes commencing, including the Market Walk Extension; the Youth Zone; and Extra Care Housing Scheme. The report also looked at changes proposed for the refresh of the Strategy for 2016/17. The vision, priorities and long term outcomes would be retained to reflect the aspiration of the Council to remain at the forefront of proactive leadership during challenging financial and economic times, ensuring the long term impact of strategic activity and investment. The revised Strategy and project detail were contained within an Appendix to the report.

The projects within the strategy had been refreshed to focus on the delivery of the larger schemes and additional ones responded to the financial and demographic challenges facing the Council and included early intervention; helping with getting people back into work; and exploring how we could work differently as a Council.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources thanked officers for the preparation and support in putting together the Corporate Strategy which would see the Council delivering some major schemes and projects for the benefit of all residents.

Alternative Corporate Strategy

Councillor Paul Leadbetter then presented the Conservative Group’s proposed Corporate Strategy which was based on intelligence and analysis of the position of the organisation and borough in terms of demographic change, population health information and resident satisfaction. The vision and priorities remained the same as presented last year but new objectives had been included to reflect LCC’s budget proposals and promote Chorley as a market town with a strong independent retail offer.

Councillor Leadbetter indicated that there was significant alignment with the administration’s proposed Corporate Strategy, however they differed in the approach to risk and debt, specifically not supporting the Market Walk Extension. 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 Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed and Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources seconded and it was RESOLVED - That the Corporate Strategy 2016/17 to 2018/19 as submitted by the Executive Leader, be approved.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive following consideration at Executive Cabinet on 17 November 2016.

The Executive Member for Resources, Councillor Peter Wilson presented a revenue and capital budget monitoring report for the end of the second quarter of 2016/17. The report set out the provisional revenue and capital outturn figures compared against budget and efficiency savings targets in 2016/17.  Executive Cabinet on 17 November had agreed the report and Council approval was now sought for a number of recommendations.

Councillor Leadbetter commented on the need for events like the Chorley Flower Show to be self-financing and the Executive Leader said that infrastructure was being put in place towards achieving that in future years.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources proposed, Councillor Alistair Bradley Executive Leader seconded and it was RESOLVED -

1.         That the full year forecast position for the 2016/17 revenue budget and capital investment programme be noted.

2.         That the forecast position on the Council's reserves be noted.

3.         That Council approves the use of £60,000 from the 2016/17 forecast revenue surplus on Market Walk to invest in the Public Realm works capital scheme (paragraph 38 of the report).

4.         That Council approves the transfer of £50,000 from in-year revenue underspends to the Local Development Framework (LDF) reserve to finance costs anticipated in 2017/18 and 2018/19 (paragraph 40 of the report).

5.         That Council approves the use of £100,000 from in-year revenue underspends to invest in the Retail Grants Programme (paragraph 41 of the report).

6.         That Council approves the use of £307k of the LCC Transition reserve to fund the Chorley Employment Inclusion Project (CEIP), (paragraph 50 of the report).

7.         It be noted that a request has been sent to DCLG to reimburse the Council for its contribution to the Croston Flood Risk Management Scheme (paragraphs 51 and 52 of the report).

8.         That Council approves additions to the capital programme summarised in paragraph 66 of the report, namely:

·         £200,000 increase in the Chorley Youth Zone budget to underwrite the shortfall in funding in 2017/18

·         £189,000 increase in Disabled Facility Grants budget, 100% grant funded, to bring in line with 2016/17 grant funding levels

·         £8.1m Digital Office Park capital budget be added to the capital programme with the £4.050m CBC match funding to be financed through prudential borrowing, as indicated in the report approved by Council on 19 July 2016.

9.         That Council notes the changes to the capital programme to reflect delivery in 2016/17 to 2018/19.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

Please note that Appendix A of this report is not attached due to the size of the file. This information is almost exactly as considered at the last Council Meeting under the Market Walk Extension agenda item.

Hard copies are available to view in the Members Room – or to view an electronic version, please contact carol.russell@chorley.gov.uk or 01257 515196.

Members considered a report of the Chief Executive on an updated Chorley Town Centre Masterplan and Public Realm proposals following the approval of the Market Walk Extension and the consequential changes to the Car Parking Strategy and Chorley Markets Strategy which had been subject to consultation during October and November 2016.

The town centre Masterplan of 2013 was in the process of being delivered and an updated plan was required to set out the new vision. The Public Realm proposals and Masterplan showed how all the new developments could be linked together to make improvements to the whole town centre. Once approved this would be subject to public consultation.

Councillor Alistair Bradley presented the proposals which he said would help future proof the town centre, making improvements at a time when other local Councils were also investing in and improving their town centres.

Councillor Leadbetter welcomed the Masterplan in principle but not in the context of the Extension to Market Walk which was a scheme his Group did not support.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources seconded and it was RESOLVED –

1.         The updated Public Realm Proposal and Masterplan for Chorley Town Centre, superseding the 2013 Masterplan, be approved for consultation.

2.         The following reports be noted and approved:

·         The Chorley Markets Strategy; and

·         The Car Parking Strategy 2017-18

To consider the attached report of the Director of Policy and Governance.

Members considered a report of the Director of Policy and Governance requesting approval for the Council to join Growth Lancashire Limited and to appoint the Executive Leader to the Board as a Director.

Growth Lancashire Limited was previously Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, formed to promote the delivery of economic, heritage and regeneration strategies in East Lancashire. The area covered has now been extended to the whole of Lancashire since becoming a joint venture company, Growth Lancashire Limited. The company’s key objectives are to serve new and existing businesses, grow job opportunities and skills by providing business support and economic development opportunities. Support is provided through the Lancashire Business Growth Fund and Boost Business Lancashire which benefit from European funding and strong links with the Lancashire LEP. The cost of being part of Growth Lancashire was £15,800 for the remainder of 2016/17 and £15,000 for 2017/18.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader proposed and Councillor Alistair Morwood seconded and it was RESOLVED –

1.    That the Council participates in the Growth Lancashire Limited Company for the remainder of 2016/17 and 2017/18; and

2.    That the Executive Leader of the Council be nominated as a Director of the Growth Lancashire Limited Board.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive, as Returning Officer.

The Chief Executive submitted a report in his capacity as Returning Officer, seeking approval to a change of polling station premises in Chorley East Ward from Highfield Primary School to Chorley District Scout Centre on Wright Street. This had been at the request of the head teacher in order to allow the school to remain open on election days.

Councillor Jarnell asked that alternatives to using Primrose Hill Primary School be again investigated, particularly in the light of the LCC commitment to keeping Euxton Library open.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader seconded and it was RESOLVED – that the proposed change of polling station from Highfield Primary School to the Scout Centre on Wright Street (Chorley East ward) be approved and that the Returning Officer be asked to look again at alternative options to Primrose Hill Primary School as a polling station in Euxton North ward.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Early Intervention and Support on amendments to the Statement of Principles required under the Gambling Act 2005 following consideration by Licensing and Public Safety Committee.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection presented a report advising Members of changes to the Statement of Principles required under the Gambling Act 2005. The report had been approved by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee on 21 September 2016.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection proposed, Councillor Marion Lowe, Chair of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee seconded and it was RESOLVED – that the revised Statement of Principles (Gambling Act 2005) be approved.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Early Intervention and Support on the statutory review of the Council’s Licensing Policy Statement following consideration by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection presented a report advising Members of a statutory review of the Council’s Licensing Policy Statement made under the Licensing Act 2003 and to seek adoption of the Policy Statement. The report had been approved by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee on 20 July 2016, after which it had been subject to consultation.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection proposed, Councillor Marion Lowe, Chair of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee seconded and it was RESOLVED –

1.         That the Council notes the decision by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee on 20 July 2016 in relation to the consultation of the draft Licensing Policy Statement (Licensing Act 2003), where the following recommendations were agreed:

a)    On the expiration of the consultation period (11 September 2016) the Director of Early Intervention in consultation with Chair of Licensing and Public Safety Committee is given delegated authority to make any minor amendments arising out of any consultation responses.

b)   On the expiration of the consultation period (11 September 2016) any major changes considered to be necessary as a result of the consultation response will be reported back to the Licensing and Public Safety Committee for further consideration and approval.

2.         That Members of the Council approve the adoption of the Licensing Policy Statement (Licensing Act 2003) as presented in Appendix A, and note that no responses were received to the 8 week consultation.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Early Intervention and Support proposing amendments to the scheme of delegation for licensing functions following consideration by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection presented a report requesting Members to agree changes to the Scheme of Delegation within the Council’s Constitution. The requested changes had been approved by the Licensing and Public Safety Committee on 21 September 2016.

Councillor Paul Walmsley, Executive Member for Public Protection proposed, Councillor Marion Lowe, Chair of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee seconded, and it was RESOLVED – That the Director of Policy and Governance be authorised to amend the current Scheme of Delegation in the Constitution to allow the following licensing decisions to be made by officers:

a)    To grant (or in the case of an existing licence) revoke and immediately re-grant a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage Driver Licence with the addition of non-standard conditions following consultation with and recommendations from the Council’s medical expert;

b)   To grant exemption on medical grounds under equality legislation following referral for consideration where criteria is met, refuse where criteria is not met (2.16 of the Constitution); as a consequence, the requirement currently in the Constitution for prior consultation with Chair or Vice-Chair is removed;

c)    The power currently delegated to the Licensing Officer to suspend a private hire driver licence or hackney carriage driver licence for periods not exceeding 14 days (2.6 of the Constitution) is amended to a period not exceeding 28 days and if longer only after consultation with Chair or Vice-Chair unless consultation is not reasonably practicable and a report is submitted to the next meeting of the General Licensing Sub-Committee;

d)   Authority to determine applications from qualifying alcohol licensed premises (i.e. holding a premises licence or club premises certificate) for up to an additional 2 category C-D gaming machines, where no objections have been received.

e)    Authority to the relevant Director for refusal to grant and refuse to renew a Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence where the Council’s vehicle conditions are not met, by amending paragraph 2.16 of the Constitution and removing the requirement to consult with the Chair/Vice Chair; and

f)     Amend paragraph 2.12 of the Constitution to include, where a vehicle meets the Council’s conditions in the main but there is a requirement for some discretion in granting of an application in the individual case, then this authority is also delegated to the Director, without need for consultation on each matter with the Chair/Vice Chair.

·         To appoint a Councillor to the vacant position of Council Champion (Young People).

·         To create a further position of Council Champion (Animal Welfare) on a six month trial basis (none remunerated) to look at the increasing demands on the Council’s animal welfare service.

·         To make any changes to committee membership.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded and it was RESOLVED that the following appointments be approved:

1.    Councillor Zara Khan to be appointed to the vacant position of Council Champion for Young People

2.    Councillor Marion Lowe  to be appointed to a new, none remunerated, Council Champion position for Animal Welfare for an initial period of 6 months

3.    Councillor Mark Jarnell to replace Councillor Matt Lynch on Licensing and Public Safety Committee and Councillor Hasina Khan on General Purposes Committee in line with the political balance of the Council.