Decision: That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 30 June 2020, and decisions from 7 April and 11 June 2020 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.

Councillor Peter Gabbott declared a personal interest in item 18: Clayton-le-Woods Parish Building.

Councillor Mark Clifford declared a pecuniary interest in item 18: Clayton-le-Woods Parish Building.

The Mayor advised that future charity events include an online raffle and a James Bond themed evening. 

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 and receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley presented the Council’s Annual Report which has been produced by the Deputy Chief Executive and summarises the Council’s achievements during 2019/20.

The report details performance against each of the Council’s key priority areas, highlighting successful delivery of key projects and also includes new investments. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor John Walker, queried the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Council’s financial position.  A full breakdown will be shared following the meeting. 

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the Decision – that the report be noted.

To consider a general report of the Executive Cabinet held on 13 February, 12 March and 18 June 2020. 

Members considered a general report of the meetings of Executive Cabinet held on 13 February, 12 March and 18 June 2020.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the Decision – that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the general report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 23 January, 27 February and 2 July, the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel held on 30 January and 5 March and Task Group update.

Members considered a general report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 23 January, 27 February and 2 July, the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel held on 30 January and 5 March and Task Group update.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor John Walker proposed and the Vice-Chair, Councillor Roy Lees seconded the Decision – that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the Council’s Annual Report on Overview and Scrutiny in 2019/20.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor John Walker, presented Scrutiny Reporting Back, a summary of the work of the Committee in 2019/20.

The Chair thanked Members and Officers for their contributions to the work of the Committee.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor John Walker proposed and the Vice-Chair, Councillor Roy Lees seconded the Decision – that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the general report of the Governance Committee meetings held on 22 January and 1 July 2020. 

Members considered a general report of the meetings of the Governance Committee held on 22 January and 1 July 2020.

The Chair of the Governance Committee, Councillor Debra Platt proposed and the Vice-Chair, Councillor Anthony Gee seconded the DECISION – that the report be noted.

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

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sets out an update on discussions about a combined authority for Lancashire.

The government has strongly indicated that it will direct additional funding and additional powers into local areas through combined authorities. Therefore, without a combined authority, Lancashire over time is likely to suffer in terms of the ability to access funding and drive economic growth combined to neighbouring areas such as Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.

Following discussions at the Lancashire Leaders group, councils have been asked to confirm their position and whether they support the creation of a combined authority.

The government has made clear that they plan on introducing a new White Paper on devolution and local recovery in the autumn, and that it expects that it will include the creation of more unitary authorities, but there are no firm proposals for unitary authorities at this stage.

Members expressed their views on the proposal, including

·         concerns regarding accountability,

·         the different demographics of the communities within Lancashire,

·         the benefits of additional resources via a Combined Authority,

·         the need to progress plans, rather than risk having a solution imposed,

·         the need to await the contents of the White Paper.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the majority Decision

1.         That the council confirms in principle to becoming a constituent authority of a Lancashire Combined Authority, subject to its final agreement to the final arrangements.

2.         That the council confirms its willingness to the inclusion of a directly elected mayor in a devolution deal for Lancashire, subject to its final agreement to the final arrangements.

3.         That the council reaffirms its view that local government reorganisation is needed to create sustainable public services and best serve the residents of the borough.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance. 

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, presented the report of the Director of Governance which informs members of proposed changes to the Shared Services Agreement.

The original shared services agreement was completed in 2007.  Since that date there has been a significant extension to the services being shared with a greater part of both South Ribble and Chorley Council’s staff being shared.

There has also been some learning in relation to the operation of the shared services agreement and it is clear that the document itself no longer meets the needs of the Councils.  As a result, the Shared Services Joint Committee instructed that a new agreement be prepared.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the unanimous Decision - That the draft Shared Services Agreement at Appendix 1 be approved for signing.

To consider any changes to Committee appointments.

No changes to appointments were required. 

To note the programme of Council Meetings for 2020/21:

·         29 September 2020 at 6.30pm

·         17 November 2020 at 6.30pm

·         26 January 2021 at 6.30pm

·         23 February 2021 at 6.30pm

·         13 April 2021 at 6.30pm

·         18 May 2021 at 6.30pm

Councillors noted the programme of Council Meetings for 2020/21 as follows:

·                29 September 2020 at 6.30pm

·                17 November 2020 at 6.30pm

·                26 January 2021 at 6.30pm

·                23 February 2021 at 6.30pm

·                13 April 2021 at 6.30pm

·                18 May 2021 at 6.30pm

No questions were asked under Council Procedure Rule 8.

The enclosed Notice of Motion has been submitted by Councillor Gillian Sharples.

Councillor Gillian Sharples presented the following Motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.

Background

The UK is in a mental health crisis.  1 in 4 people will suffer a mental health problem each year whilst 1 in 6 will experience a common mental health problem (anxiety/depression) each week.  Despite high-profile battles with depression being revealed in the media, there is still a widespread stigma which needs to be overcome.

According to NHS statistics, Chorley & South Ribble has seen a large increase in the number of people aged 18+ being diagnosed with a form of depression. In 2012/13, the figure was 1,758.  At the end of 2018/19, the figure was 3,439. The average percentage for new depression diagnoses in England is 1.7% and Chorley & South Ribble is deemed as being “significantly worse” with 2.3%.

In addition, the economic cost in England of dealing with mental health issues is an estimated £105 billion.  According to a survey undertaken in 2017 by Public Health England, 12.5% of 5 to 19 year olds had at least one mental disorder when assessed (2017), and 5% met the criteria for 2 or more mental disorders.

The Mental Health Taskforce Strategy document states that “mental health problems start early in life.  Half of all mental health problems have been established by the age of 14, rising to 75% by age 24.”

Aim

The overall aim is to help people recognise and understand how important our mental health is and where and how they can seek help.

Action required

I am therefore calling upon the Council to consider appointing an elected member as a Champion for Mental Health Awareness.

This role will require discussion of how mental health issues can have such a negative impact on the lives of people who suffer.  The stigma and misconceptions about mental health also need to be addressed.  An opportunity to communicate the ways people can help themselves and where to turn if they need help.  A councillor undertaking this role also provides a vital link between the council and the community.

How will it help?

I believe that this role would be hugely beneficial to people of all ages in the borough.  The opportunities for increased partnership working via stakeholders including Lancashire County Council, the NHS and community groups/organisations would help increase awareness and give young people the information they require to help them become more aware of looking after their own mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Awareness is the key to educating people so they understand exactly how their mental health can be affected by a variety of different things.  Poor mental health can also lead to poor physical health and as reported so much in the media, it can also end lives - suicide is the biggest killer of men under age 45.

I believe it is our responsibility as a community to help address this problem and end the narrow-minded stigma surrounding mental health.  Just because an illness is not visible, does not mean that it is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.C.49

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.

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).

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the Decision – 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 consider and receive the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Executive Member (Early Intervention), Councillor Beverly Murray, presented the confidential report of the Deputy Chief Executive which seeks approval for a capital budget for proposed improvements to the council’s leisure centres as part of the new leisure contract.

Members queried the works to the car park and the detail of this will be provided following the meeting.  A great deal of work has been undertaken behind the scenes to ensure that the facilities are safe when they reopen. 

The Executive Member (Early Intervention), Councillor Beverley Murray proposed and the Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the unanimous Decision

1.         That a £2 million capital budget be made available for investment in the council’s leisure centres.

2.         To note that the council will request up to £1m of these works be funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

To consider and receive the report of the Director of Commercial Services.

Councillor Mark Clifford declared a pecuniary interest and left the call. 

The Executive Member (Resources), Peter Wilson, presented the confidential report of the Director of Commercial Services which requests several decisions required to progress the project. 

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded the majority Decision

1.         To approve capital expenditure budget of £350k to deliver the Clayton-le-Woods parish building on the Whittle GP surgery site.

2.         To approve the use of £132,000 CIL to part-fund the project and note the contribution from the Parish Council of £116,000.

3.         To approve the award of the design and construction works for the Clayton-le-Woods Parish Building to contractor Raynor Rowan who have been appointed to complete the Whittle GP surgery development.

4.         To approve the delegation for approval of the lease agreement to Executive Member Resources.

Councillor Mark Clifford returned to the call. 

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Commercial Services.

The Executive Leader, Alistair Bradley, presented the confidential report of the Director of Commercial Services which summarises proposed changes to the design and cost envelope which have occurred as a result of the current stage of the design process and public consultation.

Officers have been progressing the feasibility and outline design for the proposed Tatton Development which included an assisted living facility, GP surgery and potential pharmacy (relocating the GP surgery from Eaves Lane), new community centre, private residential properties, café, hairdressers and upgrade to the Tatton recreation ground. 

Members noted the range of consultation undertaken and supported this excellent development for the people of East Chorley. 

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson seconded the unanimous Decision

1.         To approve the total capital expenditure of £14,010,460 which is an increase of £2,038,460 over the £11,972,000 approved by Council in April 2020.

2.         To note the delivery programme for the development.

3.         To note the benefit analysis undertaken on finalising the overall layout of the scheme.

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

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, presented the confidential report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sets out the proposals for the shared services terms and conditions review including working hours and annual leave, flexi bandwidth, flexi scheme, long service award, life assurance scheme, professional fees, and the 2.2 redundancy multiplier.

Members noted the positive discussions with the Union.  The redundancy multiplier for Chorley staff will be addressed in due course. 

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Executive Member (Homes and Housing), Councillor Graham Dunn seconded the majority Decision

1.         The proposals for the terms and conditions for shared services, as outlined in Appendix A, to be agreed.

2.         To note the next steps for the terms and conditions implementation including car/travel scheme options.

The Mayor stated that he had accepted an urgent item of business as the issue had arisen since the publication of the agenda.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, reported that Jane Fitzsimons had resigned.  Group Leaders and Councillors paid tribute to Jane, thanking her for her contribution to Chorley and wished her and her family best wishes for the future.