FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE Public Document Pack

Public Document Pack

FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE

Date: Thursday 28th August, 2008 Time: 7.00 pm Venue: Formby Professional Development Centre, Park Road, Formby

AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Harington Ward Ravenmeols Ward

Councillor Cuthbertson Councillor Platt Councillor Doran Councillor Ibbs Councillor Storey Councillor Griffiths

Parish Council Representatives

Parish Councillor Mr R.J Cawley – Formby Parish Council Parish Councillor Mr R.Jenkins – Ince Blundell Parish Council Parish Council Ms. P.Starkey – Little Altcar Parish Council

Advisory Group Members

Mr. P.G.Thornton Mrs. B.Yorke

COMMITTEE OFFICER: Lyndzay Roberts Telephone: 0151 934 2033 Fax: 0151 934 2034 E-mail: [email protected]

If you have any special needs that may require arrangements to facilitate your attendance at this meeting, please contact the Committee Officer named above, who will endeavour to assist.

This page is intentionally left blank.

2 A G E N D A

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Declarations of Interest

Members and Officers are requested to give notice of any personal or prejudicial interest and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct.

3. Minutes (Pages 5 - 12)

4. Open Forum

Members of the public are invited to ask questions, raise matters, or present petitions on issues which are relevant to Sefton Council. The person asking a question will be allowed one supplementary question.

(If a response to a question is required which cannot be provided at the meeting or if the question is not reached within the 45 minute period, the Chair will either refer the matter to the appropriate Service Department for a written answer or to the appropriate Cabinet Member for further consideration).

Part “A”

These items are for general discussion. Anybody attending the meeting is welcome to speak (subject to the Chair’s discretion).

5. Police Issues

6. Formby Area Committee - Woodland Monitoring Group (Pages 13 - 18) Report of the Legal Director

7. Environmental Improvement Works - Victoria Road (Pages 19 - 24) Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services.

8. Sefton Core Strategy- Issues for Formby (Pages 25 - 44) Report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director

3 9. Strategic Intelligence Assessment (SIA) Priorities (Pages 45 - 58) Report of the Head of Community Safety

Part “B”

These are formal decisions to be taken by Members of the Council. Only in exceptional cases will the Chair allow contributions from the public (Advisory Group Members may speak but not vote).

10. Budget Monitoring Report (Pages 59 - 62) Report of the Finance Director

11. Future Agenda Items

12. Date of next meeting In accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for the Area Committee. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2 October at the Professional Development Centre, Formby commencing at 7.00 p.m.

4 Agenda Item 3 THE “CALL IN” PERIOD FOR THIS SET OF MINUTES ENDS AT 12 NOON ON TUESDAY 19 AUGUST 2008. MINUTE NO. 18 IS NOT SUBJECT TO “CALL- IN”

FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE

MEETING HELD AT THE FORMBY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, PARK ROAD, FORMBY ON 3 JULY, 2008

PRESENT: Councillor Ibbs (in the Chair) Councillors Cuthbertson, Doran, Griffiths and Storey; Parish Councillor R. Jenkins (Representing Ince Blundell); and Advisory Group Member Mrs B.Yorke

15. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Platt and Parish Councillor Mr. R. J.Cawley.

16. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were received.

17. MINUTES

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 May 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

18. OPEN FORUM

During the Open Forum the following matters were raised;-

(a) Mr A.Hollway raised concern regarding Natural England’s proposal to improve access along the coast.

Prior to the meeting Mr Hollway had received a response from Natural England regarding the proposals.

(b) Mrs J Davis on behalf of the Formby Parish Council indicated that following a letter sent to Councillor Platt from Parish Councillor Southern last year in connection with suitable sites on Sefton Council owned land for mobile phone masts, the Parish Council had identified six sites to be considered, and asked for the Area Committee’s support to the partial lifting of the current moratorium by Sefton MBC as they felt it would be in the best interest of the local community and protected the village centre from the future unsuitable siting of telecommunications masts.

Page5 5 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

RESOLVED:

That the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director be requested to investigate the issues raised and respond in writing to the Formby Parish Council.

(c) Further to Minute No. 93 of 10 April 2008 Mr M.Coles asked if the Area Committee would consider purchasing 4 planters for the south side of Chapel Lane at a total cost of £8,000 or consider jointly funding the replacement of the barriers on Three Tuns Lane close to the Waitrose store who had already contributed funds towards the replacement works.

Members raised concerns regarding the request, specifically in relation the rising costs of the works and also the security of the planters once installed.

RESOLVED: That

(1) the decision to purchase four planters and contribute to the replacement work of the barriers on Three Tuns Lane be deferred;

(2) the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services be requested to provide Members with details regarding insurance of the planters after installation.

(d) Ms Edmondson referred to the opening of various children’s centres in Sefton, and asked whether the Council had any plans to provide a children’s centre and related services in the Formby area.

RESOLVED:

That the Strategic Director of Children’s Services be requested to respond to Ms Edmondson in writing.

19. POLICE ISSUES

Inspector Martin Melia gave comparative crime figures (detailed below) from 1 April 2006 - 3 June 2006, 1 April 2007 – 30 June 2007 and 1 April 2008 – 30 June 2008; reported that all categories had seen a reduction in incidents; and that overall, crime offences had reduced from 828 to 500, a total reduction of 328 offences.

Page6 6 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

OFFENCE 2006 2007 2008

Violent Crime 129 79 88 Robbery 7 2 1 Burglary – Dwellings 40 23 30 Unauthorised Taking of 29 30 12 Motor Vehicles/Theft of Motor Vehicles Theft from Motor Vehicle 126 57 38 Criminal Damage 153 103 90

In relation to the figures for Anti-social Behaviour Inspector Melia reported that there were 140 incidents reported in June 2007 and 87 incidents in June 2008; and that included in the figures rowdy behaviour had reduced from 103 to 73 incidents, and vehicle misuse had reduced from 33 to 12 incidents.

Inspector Melia reported that the beachsafe operation had began in May with officers deployed in areas such as Lifeboat Road to patrol area.

Officers had also been working alongside the British Transport Police and Revenue Protection officers to combat incidents of passengers not paying fares and anti-social behaviour at Freshfield station; and that this had received positive feedback from passengers and the public.

Inspector Melia concluded by responding to questions raised in relation to electric mobility scooters; burglaries; speeding; and knife crime.

Members congratulated Inspector Melia and his officers for their hard work.

RESOLVED:

That Inspector Melia be thanked for his attendance.

20. PARKING SERVICES REVIEW

Further to Minute No. 23 of the Cabinet meeting of 12 June 2008, the Committee considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services on proposed amendments and developments in relation to residents parking schemes, the management of the parking service budget and the proposed implementation of an interim increase in parking charges for 2008/09. The Cabinet Member - Technical Services, Councillor Fairclough, explained the background to the report, answered questions on it and indicated that any views from Members of this Committee and the other Area Committees would be co-ordinated and submitted to him in the late Autumn.

Page7 7 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

RESOLVED: That

(1) the current Parking Service Review be noted; and

(2) Members be requested to submit their views on the Review direct to Councillor Fairclough.

21. CLEANSING SERVICES UPDATE

The Committee considered the report of the Environmental Protection Director on activity relating to the provision of Cleansing Services within the Area Committee’s boundary.

The report detailed aspects of the refuse collection service, and that the majority of the area had now seen the introduction of alternate weekly collections (AWC) and the provision of wheeled bins for both residual and green waste; the civic amenities service and that the service was currently providing 98% of all collections on the day scheduled by the Contact Centre; and that with regard to street cleansing activity, 141 reported incidents of fly tipping occurred in the area (4.9% of the borough total) and 157 street sweeping complaints were received (8% of the borough total). The report also detailed the new Local Area Agreement targets for street cleansing that had replaced the former Best Value Performance Indicator 199a.

The report also provided information on other initiatives within the Cleansing Service relating to staff being trained on customer care and refreshed in first aid and manual handling processes; staff being trained in ‘banksman’ operations to comply with legal requirements; and that the Section still had one young employee who was on a ‘Green Apprentice’ course.

The report also detailed that since the introduction of wheeled bins and AWCs, there had been a sustained increase in dry recycling tonnage collected compared to the previous year; that the food waste collection service had collected well over 1000 tonnes of waste; the service provided at Bring Sites; and the Green Waste Collection Service and that 80% of the borough received a kerbside collection.

The report concluded by detailing information directly associated with the Harington and Ravenmeols Wards relating to abandoned vehicles, graffiti and public conveniences.

Mr. Jim Black, Assistant Director, Cleansing, responded to questions posed by Members of the Committee and members of the public regarding graffiti, green waste, passageway cleansing, food waste and street sweeping.

Page8 8 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

Further to Minute No. 12 (2) of 22 May 2008 Mr Black advised that following Members requests for litter bins, that Victoria Road and the passageway between Lonsdale Road and Halsall Lane would be suitable locations. In relation to Long Lane he advised Members that the path was at present unsuitable unless concrete plinths were provided to secure the bins. He advised Members that if if they wished to proceed with above requests; clarification was needed as to whether they wished metal or plastic bins to be sited.

He concluded by asking the Members to consult with nearby residents before submitting requests to ensure there were no objections.

RESOLVED: That

(1) the report on the provision of Cleansing Services be noted;

(2) Mr. Black be thanked for his presentation;

(3) the Environmental Protection Director be requested to site litter bins and plinths where appropriate at Victoria Road, Long Lane and the passageway between Lonsdale Road and Halsall Lane following Members requests and that provisions of such bins be funded from the area committee’s devolved budget; and

(4) the Finance Director be advised of the expenditure as detailed in (3) above.

22. PROGRESS AND ACTION ON PLANNING (S106) AGREEMENTS

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director updating on the recent spending of monies received through the planning agreements, Section 106 agreements of the Planning Act for tree planting and public open space; and the forthcoming developments which would afford monies towards tree planting and public open space.

It was reported that commuted sums were being collected in a central ‘pot’ to carry out improvements to Duke Street Park and Smithy Green and thus far £84,747.10 had been received. A ‘Vision Plan’ involving a major scheme was to be developed by Leisure Services later in the year.

Members expressed concerns regarding the non inclusion of Deansgate Lane within the proposals for use of the S106 monies and felt that this park with its wildlife, sporting resource and green land was the most important green space in the area.

RESOLVED: That

(1) the progress with spending and the forthcoming schemes be noted; and

Page9 9 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

(2) S106 monies allocated to Formby be divided between Deansgate Lane, Duke Street Park and Smithy Green. . 23. GREEN SPACE STRATEGY FOR SEFTON - CONSULTATION DRAFT

The Committee considered the joint report of the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director and the Leisure Director seeking views on the consultation draft Green Space Strategy for Sefton (the Strategy).

The report indicated that the Strategy was developed by a Steering Group comprising of a wide range of participants including a representative of CABE Space, a government agency set up to champion green spaces and their potential contribution to local communities; that the Strategy’s visions for green space in Sefton was “to create a mosaic of green spaces which will be cherished by this and future generations”; and that the five aims of the Strategy were:

• To improve the quality, variety and accessibility of all types of green space

• To increase community involvement in and use of all green spaces

• To make the most of the ways in which green space can help reduce the impact of climate change

• To increase wildlife value of all green spaces

• To work with partners, to make the most of funding opportunities

The report concluded by detailing how the Strategy may benefit the Harington and Ravenmeols Wards relating to:

• a Green Flag award for at least one green space within the Area Committee within the next five years

• Deansgate Lane Playing Fields, Duke Street Park and the Lifeboat Road Discovery Centre

• management, green space improvement, development and partnership opportunities to link wildlife in to the core built up area – sites and path links, taking account of issues relating to red squirrels and the desire to limit increased movement of grey squirrels into the area

• improvement of linkages to access green spaces throughout the urban area

• street tree planting in the urban area

Page 1010 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

• reviewing the need for improving quality and quantity of playing pitches

• strengthen partnerships with Formby and Little Altcar Parish Councils, schools, the Woodland Trust and voluntary/community groups to make the most of opportunities to increase access to private green spaces

• work in partnership with owners of private nature sites e.g. golf courses, Ince Blundell Hall, Altcar Rifle Ranges to promote ecologically sensitive management of such sites.

RESOLVED:

That the issues within the draft Green Space Strategy for Sefton affecting the Area Committee, as detailed in the report, be approved.

24. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT

The Committee considered the report of the Finance Director indicating that the balance of the budget for allocation during 2008/09 was £28,821.71 and that the Strategic Director had not received any requests for allocations since the last meeting.

Councillor Ibbs submitted a request for a plinth to be provided to enable a litter bin to be installed at Southport Road; sand a second request was submitted on behalf of Councillor Platt to install three trees in Alt Road.

RESOLVED: That

(1) the balance of the Committee’s budget of £28,821.71 be noted;

(2) in relation to Minute No. 21(3) above, the Environmental Protection Director be requested to site two metal litter bins on Victoria Road and two on Long Lane: one near the connecting passageway from Lonsdale Road and one at the Halsall Lane end including plinths where needed;

(3) further to Minute No. 49 of 4 October 2007, the Environmental Protection Director be requested to provide a plinth to enable a litter bin to be sited at the eastbound carriageway of Southport Road between Deansgate Lane North and the BP filling station next to the bus stop;

(4) the Leisure Director be requested to plant two trees in the grass verge adjacent to No.2 Alt Road and one on the opposite grass verge; and

(5) the Finance Director be advised of the expenditure referred to in (2), (3) and (4) above.

Page11 11 Agenda Item 3 FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE- THURSDAY 3RD JULY, 2008

25. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councillor Ibbs requested that a report to be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting regarding the proposed works at Freshfield station/Victoria Road.

RESOLVED :

That the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services be requested to submit a report to the next meeting of the Area Committee regarding the proposed works at Freshfield station/Victoria Road.

26. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED;

That the next meeting be held on Thursday 28 August 2008 at the Professional Development Centre, Park Road, Formby, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

Page 1212 Agenda Item 6 Meeting: Formby Area Committee

Date of Meeting : 28 August 2008

Title of Report: Formby Area Committee - Woodland Monitoring Group

Report of : Caroline Elwood This report contains Yes No Legal Director,

CONFIDENTIAL √ Information/ Contact Officer : Steve Pearce - EXEMPT information by virtue of Head of paragraph(s)...... of Part 1 of Committee and Schedule 12A to the Local √ Member Services Government Act, 1972 (Telephone No.) 0151 934 2046 (If information is marked exempt, the Public Interest Test must be applied and favour the exclusion of the information from the press and public). Is the decision on this report DELEGATED ? √

Purpose of Report

To advise the Area Committee of the applications received from Formby residents for membership of the Woodland Monitoring Group, and approve the membership and terms of reference of the Group.

Recommendation(s)

The Area Committee is requested to:

(1) note the contents of this report;

(2) approve the appointment of the Formby residents set out in Paragraph 1.7 of the report to serve on the Woodland Monitoring Group;

(3) approve the terms of reference of the Monitoring Group to be:

“to monitor and make recommendations to the Formby Area Committee in relation to the implementation of the Nature Conservation Strategy for the Sefton Coast, particularly as it affects the protection of the Formby Pinewood”; and

(4) request the Chair and/or Vice Chair of the Area Committee to attend the first meeting of the Monitoring Group (which could possibly be held on the same evening as the next Area Committee Meeting - 2 October 2008) to facilitate the appointment of the Secretary and Chair of the Group.

rep-fac-woodland Page 13 Agenda Item 6 Corporate Objective Monitoring

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1. Creating a Learning Community √ 2. Creating Safe Communities √ 3. Jobs and Prosperity √ 4. Improving Health and Well-Being √ 5. Environmental Sustainability √ 6. Creating Inclusive Communities √ 7. Improving the Quality of Council Services and √ Strengthening local Democracy 8. Children and Young People √

Financial Implications

None

2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2007 2008 2009 2010 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure N/A Funded by: N/A Sefton Capital Resources N/A Specific Capital Resources N/A REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure N/A Funded by: N/A Sefton funded Resources N/A Funded from External Resources N/A Does the External Funding have an expiry date? Y/N N When? How will the service be funded post expiry?

Departments consulted in the preparation of this Report

Leisure Services Department.

List of background papers relied upon in the preparation of this Report

Meeting of Formby Area Committee - 21 February 2008.

Page2 14 Agenda Item 6 1.0 Background

1.1 The Formby Area Committee at its meeting held on 21 February 2008 considered a report by the Leisure Director on the progress being made with the development of a Nature Conservation Strategy for the Sefton Coast. The Committee resolved:

(1) That the Cabinet Member - Leisure and Tourism and Cabinet be recommended to:

(i) adopt the Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy;

(ii) accept the position statement put forward by Natural England;

(2) that a watchdog monitoring group be established and drawn from Formby residents with a keen interest in nature conservation on the coast;

(3) the Legal Director be requested to place an advertisement in the local press for this purpose and to provide administrative support as appropriate; and

(4) applicants be selected by, and report to, Members of the Formby Area Committee who will submit recommendations on the implementation of the conservation strategy to the Cabinet.

1.2 The Legal Director subsequently advised the Chair of the Committee that her Department would be unable to provide administrative support for the monitoring group due to insufficient capacity and the need to provide support for other Council meetings. Arrangements were, however, made for an advertisement to be published in the Formby Times on 3 July 2008 inviting the submission of applications for membership of the Woodlands Monitoring Group by 25 July 2008.

1.3 The information packs sent to all applicants indicated that:

(i) Applications were sought from Formby residents with a keen interest in nature conservation on the coast to assist the Formby Area Committee in monitoring and making recommendations in relation to the implementation of the Nature Conservation Strategy for the Sefton coast, particularly as it affects the protection of Formby Pinewoods.

(ii) It was anticipated that the Group would comprise a maximum of 12 and the group should appoint its own Secretary and Chair. The applicants must be an independent representative of Formby residents and must not be a representative of other lobby or pressure groups within the local area.

(iii) The Group would be expected to regulate its own cycle of meetings but the Formby Area Committee would expect to receive a quarterly update from the Group. In the event that the Members of the Monitoring Group wished to raise an issue of some urgency, they may request the Chair of the Group to hold a special meeting. If agreed,

Page3 15 Agenda Item 6 urgent concerns will be put on the Agenda of the Area committee subject to the Agreement of the Chair of the Area Committee.

1.4 Copies of the following documentation were sent to each applicant:

• Application Form • Forest Plan for Sefton Coast Woodlands (leaflet) • Copy of report considered by the Formby Area Committee on 21 February 2008 on the development of the Nature Conservation Strategy • Extract of the Resolution from Formby Area Committee • The Nature Conservation Strategy and Biodiversity Delivery Plan (please see www.seftoncoast.org.uk as this is a large document).

1.5 The Committee has previously intimidated that Councillors, Council Officers and representatives of outside agencies should not attend meetings of the Monitoring Group.

1.6 Appointment of Woodland Monitoring Group

Nine applications for the membership of the Woodland Monitoring Group were received and the details were previously submitted to the elected Members of the Area Committee for consideration.

1.7 The Committee is requested to approve the appointment of the following Formby residents as Members of the Woodlands Management Group for 2008/09 on the basis set out in paragraph 1.3.

David Adams Mark Bennett Patricia Ann Little Stephen Gerrard Terence Henry Maloney Sylvia Rose Brian Sharrock Jan Stirling Marjorie Wood

1.8 It is suggested that the Chair or Vice Chair of the Area Committee should organise and attend the first meeting of the Monitoring Group to facilitate the appointment of the Secretary and Chair of the Group.

2. Recommendations

The Area Committee is requested to:

(1) note the contents of this report;

(2) approve the appointment of the Formby residents set out in Paragraph 1.7 of the report to serve on the Woodland Monitoring Group during 2008/09;

(3) approve the terms of reference of the Monitoring Group to be:

Page4 16 Agenda Item 6 (4) request the Chair and/or Vice Chair of the Area Committee to attend the first meeting of the Monitoring Group (which could possibly be held on the same evening as the next Area Committee Meeting - 2 October 2008) to facilitate the appointment of the Secretary and Chair of the Group.

Page5 17 This page is intentionally left blank

Page 18 Agenda Item 7

Meeting: Formby Area Committee

Date of Meeting : 28 th August 2008

Title of Report: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS, VICTORIA ROAD, FORMBY

Report of : This report contains Yes No Alan Moore, Strategic Director CONFIDENTIAL √ Information/ Contact Officer : EXEMPT information by virtue of Jeremy McConkey Network Manager paragraph(s)...... of Part 1 of 0151 934 4222 Schedule 12A to the Local √ Government Act, 1972 (If information is marked exempt, the Public Interest Test must be applied and favour the exclusion of the information from the press and public). Is the decision on this report √ DELEGATED ?

Purpose of Report

To consider expenditure from Ravenmeols Ward allocation to fund environmental improvement works in Victoria Road, Formby

Recommendation(s)

It is recommended that:

Area Committee agrees to fund the works from Ravenmeols Ward allocation for environmental improvement works in Victoria Road, Formby as follows: -

Option 1 £5084 or,

Option 2 £8204 (with tree guards) or,

Option 2 £7764 (without tree guards)

Page 19 Agenda Item 7

Corporate Objective Monitoring

Financial Implications

2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2010/ 2008 2009 2010 2011 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources – allocation £5084 requested from Formby Area Committee budget Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry date? Y/N When? How will the service be funded post expiry?

Departments consulted in the preparation of this Report

None

List of background papers relied upon in the preparation of this Report

None

Page 20 Agenda Item 7

1.0 BACKGROUND

1.1 There are 4 existing brick planters outside Victoria Buildings at the junction of Victoria Road and Freshfield Road, Formby. The areas are on the adopted highway and maintenance works are undertaken which include managing the tree and shrub growth through a schedule of pruning. However, the planters are in a very poor state of repair as a result of the growth of the trees, which have become too large for the planters that contain them. A plan of the area is attached as Annex A.

1.2 An enquiry from Ravenmeols Ward Councillors has raised the issue of the general appearance of the areas and the potential for environmental enhancements. Whilst such improvements are highly desirable, is an unfortunate consequence of current budget allocations that there is insufficient funding in the Revenue budget for these works.

1.3 Ward Councillors have indicated their desire to seek the necessary funding for the proposed works from the Area Committee budget.

2.0 Proposals Option 1

2.1 Should Area Committee Elected Members support this initiative, it is proposed to undertake the following works:

Remove all trees, grind out stumps and remove from 4 planters (£1400) Demolish 4 planters and remove spoil for recycling or tip as appropriate Excavate all soil and other spoil and remove for recycling or tip as appropriate Construct sub-base and supply and lay flagging to match existing as closely as possible (£3684)

2.2 The total cost of option 1 works is £5084 which would need to be funded by Area Committee

2.3 This would allow the area to be enhanced with free-standing planters at a later date should funding become available

3.0 Proposals Option 2

3.1 Should Area Committee Elected Members support this initiative, it is proposed to undertake the following works:

Page 21 Agenda Item 7

3.2 The total cost of option 2 works is £8204 with tree guards and £7764 without tree guards which would need to be funded by Area Committee

3.3 This option would negate the need for planters to enhance the area

A R Moore Strategic Director and Deputy Chief Executive

Page 22 Agenda Item 7

Metropolitan Borough of Sefton

Request for an Area Committee Budget Allocation

Formby Area Committee

Amount requested from the Area Committee: £5084 Less than £1,000 - Send to the Strategic Director for the Area Committee More than £1,000 - Send to the appropriate department of the Council for a full report to be prepared for the Area Committee

Applicant/Organisation Sefton Technical Services

Environmental Improvement Works, Victoria Road, Formby

Total cost of project: £5084 Less other contributions/match funding (list with details):

Total of other contributions/match funding

Balance: i.e. the amount requested from Area Committee £ 5084

Contact point: Name: Jeremy McConkey Address: Sefton Technical Services Magdalen House Bootle L20 3NJ Telephone During office hours 0151 934 4222

Requests for allocation up to £1,000:

I confirm that Area Committee has sufficient funds available to meet this request.

Signed …………………………………..

Strategic Director Date………………………………………….

For official use only Date Name Min. No Approved Received Less than £1,000 Y/N Y/N Estimates included Y/N or N/A Committee report (all) Y/N Copied to Finance Payment made Y/N Evidence received Y/N Y/N Inspection Y/N Y/N

Page 23 Agenda Item 7

ANNEX A

7 9 0 Freshfield 8 1 Station

SP Montagu Mews

3 d

MP 12 6

r 2

1 1

he he 46 T

Slope Slope 50 TCB FB 9.8m

Victoria Bui

ldin 1 g 4 s

FRESHFIELD LB 7

Bakery

9 9

Page 24 Agenda Item 8

MEETING: FORMBY AREA COMMITTEE

28 th August 2008 DATE:

SUBJECT: SEFTON CORE STRATEGY – ISSUES FOR FORMBY

Report of : Andy Wallis, Planning and This report contains Yes No Economic Regeneration Director CONFIDENTIAL ü Information/ EXEMPT information Contact Officer : Steve Matthews (Planning) – by virtue of (0151) 934 3559 paragraph(s)...... ü

of Part 1 of Schedule

12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 Is the decision on this report DELEGATED ? ü

Purpose of report

To bring members up to date on the development of a local profile for Formby which will feed into the development of a Core Strategy for Sefton.

Recommendations:

That the Committee: (1) note the background papers and plan setting out key issues and challenges for the Formby area, together with the summary of an informal discussion with members; (2) identify any further key issues affecting Formby to be considered in the development of the Core Strategy (3) comment on the proposed approach to consulting the local community on these issues and suggest other groups who should be consulted.

Page 25 Agenda Item 8

Corporate Objective Monitoring

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1 Creating a Learning Community ü 2 Creating Safe Communities ü 3 Jobs and Prosperity ü 4 Improving Health and Well-Being ü 5 Environmental Sustainability ü 6 Creating Inclusive Communities ü 7 Improving the Quality of Council Services ü and Strengthening local Democracy 8 Children and Young People ü

Financial Implications

No direct implications.

2006/ 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2007 2008 2009 2010 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Gross Increase in Capital Expenditure Funded by: Sefton Capital Resources Specific Capital Resources REVENUE IMPLICATIONS Gross Increase in Revenue Expenditure Funded by: Sefton funded Resources Funded from External Resources Does the External Funding have an expiry date? Y/N When?

Departments consulted in the preparation of this Report: None

List of background papers relied upon in the preparation of this report Attached as appendices to this report.

Page 26 Agenda Item 8

1. Background

1.1 The preparation of a Core Strategy for Sefton is a key piece of work for the Planning and Economic Regeneration Department over the next 2 –3 years. Much of the context for this is set by national and regional guidance, for example the numbers of homes we are expected to provide is set by the Regional Spatial Strategy.

1.2 However, the Core Strategy must relate well to Sefton’s distinctive characteristics and local communities. We need a local vision of the potential for, and the constraints on, growth and change. The Core Strategy is where difficult choices have to be made and justified.

1.3 To help us do this, the Department is beginning a discussion with Area Committees on their vision for their area over the next 15-20 years, the time period of the Core Strategy.

1.4 Officers from the Department met informally with Council members from the Area Committee in June. They considered some background papers which are attached as appendices to this report, including: • an A3 plan (‘Formby Profile’) highlighting some key issues and opportunities in the area • a ‘SWOT’ analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) (Appendix A). Note comments made by Sefton members on this in Appendix D • key issues/ questions for discussion (Appendix B).

1.5 A further profile containing key statistics relating to the Area Committee area is also attached as Appendix C.

1.6 A note of the informal discussion is attached as Appendix D.

1.7 I am keen to find the views of the Area Committee, at a local level, on some of the big issues, challenges and opportunities Sefton is likely to face over this time period. These include: ◊ how and where to meet the needs of the Formby area for affordable homes and for jobs ◊ how people can get around the area more easily to jobs and services – and not just by car ◊ how to make the Formby area more attractive to live in – ‘cleaner, safer, greener’ ◊ how to ensure that Formby centre remains healthy and meets people’s needs for shopping and local services.

1.8 This will also tie in well to work on developing a Sustainable Community Strategy for Sefton and will enable that document to be tuned in to specific issues and concerns affecting the Formby area.

Page 27 Agenda Item 8

2. Consulting on key issues

2.1 Having had this initial discussion of issues affecting the Formby area, it is proposed to consult more widely in the autumn.

2.2 In preparing the Core Strategy for Sefton, I am required to involve local groups, residents and others who have an interest ion the area. This formal commitment is set out in a document the Statement of Community Involvement. I am aware that other consultations have been carried out in this area on behalf of the Council and I am keen to avoid duplication.

2.3 I would like to use a variety of approaches to ensure as wide a cross-section of local community views as possible. These might include: ◊ distributing a newsletter setting out the background to what we are doing and asking people to complete a brief survey ◊ putting material on the Sefton web-site and inviting responses ◊ taking a half page advert in the Formby Times on the development of the Core Strategy and asking people to give their views. ◊ running a couple of workshops to discuss issues (perhaps one in the afternoon and one in the evening), to which the following would be invited: • some members of the Citizens’ Panel who live in this area • representatives from the list of organisations and interests mentioned in Appendix E.

2.4 Other area committees have stressed the importance of making sure that the voice of young people is heard in this challenge of shaping Sefton’s future. My staff have already been working with the Sefton Young Advisors and hope to involve them in further consultation.

3. Conclusions

3.1 Members’ views are requested on: ◊ the suggested key issues and any other issues they would like to be considered for this area in the development of the Core Strategy ◊ the suggested approach to consulting the local community.

Page 28 Agenda Item 8

Appendix A ‘SWOT’ Analysis Strengths Opportunities

• Strong housing market – a • Powerhouse site – ripe for desirable place to live redevelopment • Likely to live longer than the Sefton • Holy Trinity C of E Primary – recently average. Fewer with limiting long term closed; belongs to Council. Adjacent to illnesses. village centre. • Not a deprived area - majority of • Provision of safe cycle / walking area in 20% least deprived SOAs 1 routes to school & services can be nationally, none in 20% most deprived provided on existing green space • Thriving village centre with strong network. range of shops • Potential for further improvements in • New baths / leisure / community the business park to take advantage of facility adjacent to centre with scope to road improvements between Thornton enhance open air provision and Switch Island. • Superb natural environment – sea, • More use can be made of the Golf dunes & pinewoods. courses as part of “Englands Golf Coast” • Internationally important nature to bring more people in to staying in and conservation areas and wildlife habitat – using the facilities of Formby. red squirrels. • Improvements can be made to • Good schools. Sefton’s Green Infrastructure and coastal • Quality of green space is above resources to encourage more visitors to average the town. Better public transport to the • Reasonable road and rail access to beeches could help to create more Southport, Bootle & Liverpool, but poor sustainable tourism. east links (moss roads) • Upgrade coastal path as part of • Strong parish councils strategic cycle network. • Strong voluntary sector

Weaknesses Threats

• Low density housing (<30 dwellings • Coastal erosion & receding per hectare). Not sustainable or coastline conducive to enhanced public transport • Little affordable and suitable provision. housing which young people can afford, • Little affordable housing / high leading to increasingly aged and average house prices. unbalanced population. • High percentage of elderly • No formal surface water system – population, especially in Harington ward, drains into R Alt which is above ground even compared to Southport. level so can’t discharge into the sea • Higher % of economically inactive causing flooding. (esp. retired) compared to Sefton Improved green infrastructure links average. from rural to urban areas could High car ownership rates; fewer accelerate grey squirrels households without a car penetration and therefore the compared to Sefton / national decline in Red Squirrels. average. Low housing density and large areas without a frequent bus service encourages a high level of

1 SOAs are small geographical areas for which neighbourhood statistics are released.

Page 29 Agenda Item 8

car usage - causes congestion especially around schools. • Formby bypass a physical barrier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross. • Few local employment opportunities • Formby Industrial Estate in need of visual improvement, inadequate parking • About 50% of Formby is more than 10 minutes walk from frequent bus route / rail station. • Poor access to healthcare (hospitals) – Ormskirk & Aintree. • Amount of green space is below Sefton target – most concentrated in Ravenmeols ward; little in north & west or villages • Little room to grow – surrounded by good quality agricultural land, areas at risk of flooding & important nature conservation sites. • Increasing number of Grey Squirrels already having an impact upon Red Squirrel numbers.

Page 30 Agenda Item 8

Appendix B Key issues/ questions for discussion

What kind of place do you want Formby to be in 15 – 20 years’ time?

The Core Strategy needs to look ahead over a period of 15-20 years. Thinking ahead over this period of time there are a number of important questions to consider for the Formby Area Committee area:

The Formby area has an ageing population – what are the implications of this? Ø Formby has an increasingly ageing (but relatively healthy) population and an older population profile than Sefton as a whole. This has potential future implications for future health and social care provision in Formby, particularly as Formby is the least accessible area in Sefton in relation to hospital provision in Ormskirk & Aintree.

The Formby area needs for more housing, including affordable housing - how can this be met? Ø There is limited scope for further housing development within the built up area. This is leading to young families leaving the area as they cannot afford to live in Formby. Ø There are not many opportunities within the existing built-up area for new housing (normal source is division of existing plots or re-using land previously used for other purposes) but this has a negative impact on green infrastructure (trees and gardens). Most plots that would be created in this way are unlikely to be of a size to deliver any affordable housing. Ø What should we do about the Powerhouse site, which is in the green belt and area at risk of flooding? Ø Should we consider green belt release in the future, despite the environmental constraints that surround Formby? Any extension of existing built-up area will be heavily constrained by the coast, areas at high risk of flooding and areas containing the best quality agricultural land.

Should the Formby area be trying to attract more jobs into the local area? If so, where? Ø Little local employment apart from within Formby village centre, the Formby & Mayflower Industrial Estates, and Tesco. This results in significant commuting, particularly to Liverpool city centre & Bootle, with some to Southport. Ø More jobs within the local area would reduce the amount of travel to work e.g. is there scope for more sustainable tourism related to outstanding natural environment / golf courses? Ø Should we seek to provide premises for start-up businesses? Ø There is a lack of appropriate land for new employment within the built up area. Existing estates could be improved. Should we be restricting the proliferation of (historical) non-industrial & warehousing uses on the Formby Industrial estate? Should we consider extending Formby Industrial Estate into the green belt to the north or south?

How can Formby village centre be strengthened? Ø Formby village centre has a good range of shops and services. Ø How can we ensure that the centre continues to thrive? Ø Is Formby Pool sufficiently linked into the centre (in the UDP we produced in 2006, its site was outside the village centre). Should we think about including it in the centre? Can its current role be expanded to meet any existing needs?

Page 31 Agenda Item 8

Getting around Ø A number of linked issues: low density development, high ownership and use of cars, relatively poor bus service: one result is congestion, an issue especially around schools. This also impacts on school children’s ability to walk or cycle to school, because of the perceived traffic hazards. Ø Formby Bypass is a major barrier to west – east movement. Ø How can people move around the area more easily by means of transport other than the car? (e.g. making it easier to walk and cycle between home and school, work, facilities & services … is there an opportunity to make better use of green links?)

Improving the environment Ø The amount of greenspace is below the Sefton target and most is in Ravenmeols ward. Formby has excellent access for many to the coast. What are the opportunities to make more of the existing green spaces within Formby and improve links to coast for Formby residents? What are the issues resulting form day trippers form other parts of Sefton & the north west? Ø Crime – Almost 60% of Formby residents who responded to the tracker survey for the period 2007 / 2008 felt that anti-social behaviour was not an issue in Formby, with only 0.4% felling that there was a high level of anti-social behaviour. This is significantly better than the figures for Sefton as a whole (31.0% & 23.0% respectively). Ø The SIA priorities which have been agreed for the area are ‘theft from a vehicle’ and ‘rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour’. However the perception survey priorities are ‘burglary dwelling’, teenagers hanging around and under-age drinking.

How can the gap between the least and most well off be reduced?

Formby is an affluent suburban area and tourist attraction.

Most of the Formby area is in the 20% least deprived areas nationally, with none of the Area Committee area being in the 20% most deprived areas. All of the area is far less deprived than the Sefton average. The Core Strategy will need to provide a strategy for bringing the poorer parts of south Sefton and Southport nearer to the rankings achieved by Formby if this Sustainable Community Strategy aim is to be achieved.

Page 32 Agenda Item 8

Appendix D Note of informal discussion with Sefton members of Formby Area Committee

Informal briefing session on Core Strategy for members of Formby Area Committee Friday 27 th June 2008 1.30 – 3.30pm, Formby Library

Present: Members Officers Cllr V Platt Steve Weber Cllr A Ibbs Alan Young Cllr B Griffiths Ingrid Berry Cllr G Doran Steve Matthews Cllr G Cuthbertson Apologies: Cllr E Storey

Summary of key points

General Member concern about the regular change in government policy which means it is almost impossible to plan 15-20 years ahead. Officers noted that we must base strategy on the current guidance; our plan needs to be robust, yet flexible.

Housing • A question was asked about housing restraint policy and likely changes - this was explained by AY. Members made the point that affordable housing could not be achieved in Formby because of the very high land prices. • Members thought there was no scope for expansion of the built-up area because of the national nature designation west of railway, and flooding problems or farmland east of railway. • Discussion over increasing density in urban area. Observation that Formby was not a high density urban area to which average Government standards of density should apply. AY suggested that there will inevitably be an increase in pressure for further building within built-up area. • There is a need for more gypsy accommodation in the Borough, but members considered it was not viable to expand the gypsy site at Broad Lane as there is private housing nearby and no further land is available. AY noted that a report will soon come to Members on this issue and, if its conclusions are accepted, we will need to identify a further site somewhere in the borough. • VP asked if we can insist on new houses being built to ‘homes for life standard' as is being applied to houses in regeneration areas. While we cannot insist on this, it is part of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and we can focus on those aspects which we feel are most relevant to Sefton. AY added that housebuilders say that building lifetime homes adds 35% to costs, but officers dispute this. • AD identified a very significant need for bungalows in Formby.

Employment • AD noted the very low unemployment rates (1% Harrington; 2 ½% Ravenmeols)

Page 33 Agenda Item 8

• The Powerhouse site was discussed. SW noted that there are plenty of constraints to its development, but the policy position is still as set out in the UDP. • GC queried why the future of Woodvale was identified on the plan. Officers confirmed they were unaware of anything specific; however, there is regular conjecture about its future and it is important to clarify current thinking. • Agreed business parks could be tidied up, but what enforcement powers? Officers suggested that Council could work with owners to secure improvements. • Members had no particular desire to see any expansion of businesses locally – they wouldn’t necessarily provide jobs for local people.

Opportunities

Former Holy Trinity school site Officers asked whether this might be an opportunity to extend the town centre. Member view that this site was more suitable for residential. Members noted that the Furness Ave area of the centre (beyond M&S) found it hard to do business. Officers queried whether this site might be suitable for start-up businesses - a need identified by the Business Village Partnership - but members felt such businesses wouldn’t be able to afford the rent. VP stated that the school building was in any case still owned by the Diocese.

Cycle/ walking routes on greenspace SM raised issue of potential for links between homes school and services to reduce use of car and congestion. Agreed this was good in principle, but green corridors are overgrown and no-one accepts responsibility for maintenance.

Golf tourism Members not keen to pursue this; very little hotel accommodation apart from golf academy at Formby Hall. In decent weather Formby is gridlocked and can’t cope with significant numbers of visitors.

Coastal path Concern over the path crossing the railway and potential for accidents.

Strengths

Village centre – disagree that there is a ‘strong’ range of shops – agree there is a ‘reasonable’ range of shops. Noted that a lot of people go to Morrisons (Southport) to shop. Need for a ‘discounter’ identified. Coast – dissatisfaction with Natural England approach, and complete opposition to clear felling; concern that red squirrels are dying out. Quality of greenspace – members noted considerable difference in quality between play areas in Formby and south of borough (much better in south).

Weaknesses

Low density housing – this is a strength and contributes to local distinctiveness. Quantity of greenspace – briefing paper noted that amount of green space is below the Sefton target. AD commented that there is such good access to the coast that this shortage is not a problem.

Page 34 Agenda Item 8

Threats

Flooding • Members very concerned about this. AD noted that a working party has just been set up to look at this issue. Presentation made to Cabinet earlier this year and there was a promise of further investment. • BG concerned that Long Lane ditch overgrown again – this is a key drainage ditch which drains 20-25% of Formby’s surface water to Downholland Brook. • BG felt that biggest threat is Liverpool City Region and multi-area agreement. We don’t have any practical links with Halton, yet it doesn’t include West Lancs which we abut. There was concern that this is regional government through the back door.

Next steps

A report would be brought to the Area committee in late summer/ early autumn (either 28 th August or 2 nd October), summarising key issues raised, and setting out a proposal for consulting with the wider community. Members said they would like to meet again before Area Committee, to comment on a draft programme for consultation.

Page 35 Agenda Item 8

Appendix E List of organisations/ interests whom we intend to consult

General - amenity Formby Civic Society Formby Pinewood Theatre Group Save Our Squirrels North Friends of Duke St Park/ Deansgate Lane Formby Allotments Society Relevant groups within the Southport & Formby Community and Voluntary Groups Forum

Representative groups Formby Parish Council Business groups (Sefton Chamber of Commerce; other?) Residents groups (?) PCT Primary and senior schools Representative of Gypsies/ travellers Formby Council of Churches

Coast, countryside and environment CPRE Lancashire Wildlife Trust Mersey Forest Lancashire and Merseyside National Trust Forestry Commission Environment Agency Natural England

Transport and access Merseytravel Network Rail Formby Community Transport Sefton Cycle Forum Sefton Public Rights of Way Group Sefton Access Forum

Landowners These are being consulted separately e.g. through ‘call for sties’ process which is part of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

Page 36 Formby Area Committee Profile – Key Statistics Agenda Item 8

Population Profile

Proportion of Population by Broad Age Groups (ONS 2006) 40.0 Formby

35.0 Sefton England & Wales

30.0

25.0

20.0

Percent

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 0-15 16-29 30-44 45-64 Males, 45-59 65+ Males, 60+ Females Females Age Band

(Source: Office for National Statistics Mid-year Population estimates 2006)

The age profile of the Formby Area Committee contrasts significantly with ‘England and Wales’ and also Sefton’s overall population profiles. The Committee area has a much smaller proportion of younger people (aged 0-29) and much higher proportion of older people at retirement age (9.9 percentage points above the national average and 5.9 percentage points above the Sefton average). The projected ageing of Sefton’s population over the next two decades therefore has particular implications for travel, and for providing schools, health and social care, and housing for the elderly for this area.

Healthy life Expectancy

Average Healthy Life Expectancy (years) - Persons 85 Average Healthy Life Expectancy (years) - Persons North West Healthy Life Expectancy 80 (years) - Persons

75 74.8 73.7 74.3 70 68.9 65 Years Years

45 Harrington Ward Ravenmeols Ward Formby Average Sefton Average

(Source: Office for Office for National Statistics Experimental Statistics, 1999-2003)

Healthy life expectancy is the expected number of years of life in good or fairly good health. Overall, people in the Formby Area Committee area have a very good quality of health, therefore the area has a higher healthy life expectancy than the overall Borough and regional averages. This good health and long life expectancy also helps to create the predominant older population profile within this area. Page 37 AgendaTravel To Work Item Areas 8

(Source: Census 2001)

The map above identifies the main employment locations for residents within the Formby Area Committee. Over a third (34.6%) of Formby’s resident working population also work within the Committee boundary. There are, however, major centres of employment for Formby’s residents in the north and the south of the Borough. The Southport town centre area provides employment for 7.2% of the Formby’s working population and the Bootle town centre employs 3.7%. Outside the Borough, central Liverpool is the major workplace destination for 13.3% of the Committee area’s working population. Page 38 Mode of Travel to Work Agenda Item 8

Formby - Mode of Travel to Work

5.7% 0.3% 9.0% 2.6% Work from Home

9.3% Train

2.3% Bus

Car/Van/Motorcycle

Bicycle

On Foot

Other

70.8%

70.8% travel to work from the Formby committee area by Car/Van/Motorcycle. (This is 6.7 percentage points higher than the Sefton average for this mode of transport to work) In turn this increases traffic congestion on the main commuter routes through the area to the major employment centres. The Formby Committee area is however, well connected by the railway network. Formby and Freshfield stations are used by 9.3% of commuters to travel to work, this is 6.3% points higher than the Borough average for this mode of travel.

Worklessness (August 2006 – May 2007) Data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is used to calculate worklessness. A workless person is someone of working age who are in receipt of the following benefits: Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Lone Parent, Carers and Others on Income Related Benefit.

Worklessness within both of the Formby Committee Wards are significantly lower than the Borough average. The Harrington and Ravenmeols wards have the lowest and second lowest average worklessness within Sefton.

Working Age Population - Average Worklessness Aug 06 - May 07 25.0% Formby Area - Ward Worklessness

Sefton Worklessness Average

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

% of Working Population Age 7.3% 6.7% 5.0% 6.1%

Page 39 0.0% Harrington Ravenmeols Formby Committee Average AgendaIndex of Multiple Item Deprivation 8 2007

Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 Ward Results - Formby Area HIGH DEPRIVATION Average Ward Deprivation Score

Sefton Deprivation Average

LOW DEPRIVATION

Harrington Ward Ravenmeols Ward Formby Area Committee

Although the national IMD 2007 results are published at a small geographical level (Super Output Areas), aggregated together they can be used to obtain a ward average score for multiple deprivation. The Harrington and Ravenmeols Wards are the two least deprived areas within Sefton, and therefore the Formby Committee average multiple deprivation is much lower than the Borough average.

Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 –Barriers to Housing and Services Sub Domain

Although the Formby Area Committee has very low multiple deprivation, one deprivation domain identifies that access to local services, housing affordability and overcrowding is more of a problem within this area compared to the Sefton average.

The purpose of the Barriers to Housing and Services domain is to measure barriers to housing and key local services. The indicators are structured into two sub-domains: ‘geographical barriers’, which includes accessibility to local services (road distances to GP’s, general stores/supermarkets, primary schools and Post Offices), and ‘wider barriers’ that include issues relating to housing affordability and overcrowding.

The major contributor to Formby’s high deprivation in this domain comes directly from the extremely high house prices/costs and issues relating to housing affordability. The Ravenmeols Ward has a higher average deprivation score than the Harrington Ward for this domain. Even though housing affordability might be more of a problem in the Harrington Ward, Ravenmeols due to its more rural location has reduced accessibility to local services such as GPs, local amenities and schools and within this domain is seen as more deprived.

Barriers to Housing and Services Deprivation 2007 Ward Results - Formby

HIGH DEPRIVATION Average Ward Deprivation Score

Sefton Deprivation Average

LOW DEPRIVATION Page 40 Harrington Ravenmeols Formby Area Committee House Affordability Agenda Item 8

Formby Area Average House Price (2000 - 2007) 400,000 160 Average House Price 2000/01

Average House Price 2006/07 350,000 140 Average House Price Increase 2000-2007 (%) 300,000 120

250,000 100

200,000 80

Average Price (£) Average 150,000 60 Percentage Increase Percentage

100,000 40

50,000 20

0 0 Harrington Ward Ravenmeols Ward Formby Area Sefton Committee

(Source: Land Registry 2000-2007)

The Formby Committee Area average house price in 2007 was £252,607, this is the highest average price within Sefton 74.3% above the Borough average. The fastest rise in prices since 2000 occurred in the Ravenmeols Ward (102.6%), the overall increase in house price in this Area Committee area over this period was 103.6%, lower than the Sefton average of 110.3%. However, within the Formby area; average annual household earnings were 25.4% greater, average equity was 50.7% higher, and savings 82.9% greater than the Sefton averages, highlighting the Formby Committee Area as the most affluent in the Borough.

2008 Household Income

Area Average annual Average Savings Average Equity Gross Household Income Formby £32,299 £29,981 216912 Sefton £25,763 £16,393 143970 (Source: Sefton Strategic Housing Market Assessment April 2008)

Page 41 This page is intentionally left blank

Page 42 Agenda Item 8

Page 43 This page is intentionally left blank

Page 44 Agenda Item 9

Meeting: Formby Area Committee

Date of Meeting : 28 August 2008

Title of Report: Strategic Intelligence Assessment (SIA) Priorities

Report of : Amanda Langan This report contains Yes No Head of Community Safety

CONFIDENTIAL √ Information/ Contact Officer : Louise Thomas EXEMPT information by virtue of Strategy Support Officer paragraph(s)...... of Part 1 of (Telephone No.) 0151 288 6166 Schedule 12A to the Local √ Government Act, 1972 (If information is marked exempt, the Public Interest Test must be applied and favour the exclusion of the information from the press and public). Is the decision on this report √ DELEGATED ?

Purpose of Report

To comply with Minutes No 26 (2) of the Cabinet Member -Communities in relation to the report on the Strategic Intelligence Assessments presented on the 23 rd July 2008:

“….the SIA priorities, and any subsequent updates as to the progress of partners in addressing issues, be forwarded to each Area Committee….”

Recommendation(s)

1. The Strategic Intelligence Report and the local Safer and Stronger Communities priorities to be noted.

Corporate Objective Monitoring

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1. Creating a Learning Community Y 2. Creating Safe Communities Y 3. Jobs and Prosperity Y 4. Improving Health and Well-Being Y 5. Environmental Sustainability Y 6. Creating Inclusive Communities Y 7. Improving the Quality of Council Services and Y Strengthening local Democracy

Page 45 Agenda Item 9

8. Children and Young People

Financial Implications

Departments consulted in the preparation of this Report

All organisations that have a bearing on delivering services aligned with the SIA have been consulted in the preparation of the SIA, and the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership (SSCP)

List of background papers relied upon in the preparation of this Report

1. Cabinet Member- Communities Report: Wednesday the 23 rd June 2008

2. From the Neighbourhood to the National: Policing our Communities Together (2008)

3. Engaging Communities in Fighting Crime: Louise Casey (2008)

4. Comprehensive Area Assessment: Joint Inspectorate Proposals for Consultation (2008)

5. Delivering Safer Communities: Guidance for Crime and Disorder Partnerships (2008).

Page 46 Agenda Item 9

BACKGROUND:

Introduction

1.1 As members will now be aware there have been a number of national directives and developments that have taken place that have had a direct impact on the way in which Sefton’s Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership (SSCP) runs at a strategic level and how the Crime and Disorder Partnership runs at an operational level.

1.2 These directives and developments flow from a recent national review of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act (CDA) the findings of which have now been incorporated into the Police and Justice Act 2006. This introduced a number of changes for the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, one of which, the requirement to produce a Strategic Intelligence Assessment (SIA) is highlighted in this report.

1.3 However the production of the SIA now has to be seen in the developing context of the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA), and in particular the Area Assessment that will look at how well local public services are delivering better results for local people on specific themes, one of which will be community safety.

1.4 The CAA, commencing in April 2009 will take locally agreed priorities, as defined in the Local Area Agreement, as a potential starting point for the inspection. A core principle of the CAA will be ‘ rooted in the needs and aspirations of local people in each area’ and as such will assess our understanding and delivery of services to meet those identified needs.

1.5 To assess and respond to ‘local need’ the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership have, amongst other ‘priority’ indicators included National Indicator (NI: 21) in its Partnership Plan. This indicator is a public perception indicator that assesses the proportion of residents who strongly agree/agree that the local council and the police are dealing with their concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour. This is an APACS indicator (Assessment of Policing and Community Safety) that will be used in the CAA in a process that will assess the contributions and the outcomes of partnership working in far more detail than in previous inspection regimes.

1.6 To ensure that we, as a Partnership, are attuned to the concerns of local communities the Hallmarks of Effective Partnerships introduced the statutory requirement for all ‘Partnerships’ to undertake a Strategic Intelligence Assessment (SIA) that provides the Partnership with the information upon which local community safety ‘priorities’ and thus need, is identified.

1.7 The Area Assessment component of the CAA will essentially focus on three questions

1. How well do the local priorities express community needs and aspirations? 2. How well are the outcomes needed being delivered? 3. What are the prospects for future improvement (based on judgements to questions 1 and 2)

Page 47 Agenda Item 9

1.8 The CAA is inherently about ‘sustainability’ and the risks posed to the longer-term sustainability of a community and as such will ‘shrink’ its enquiry to assess progress on local priorities in particular neighbourhoods and communities. The SIA will thus feature greatly in the CAA inspection,

1.9 The CAA will also review how the new ‘duty to involve’ is being implemented and as such will look at the available evidence that demonstrates that

1.Councils and their partners ‘know and engage with their communities’

2.The extent to which the ‘priority’ outcomes have been defined with the involvement of communities

3.How well communities have been involved in assessing whether priority outcomes have been delivered

4.The effectiveness of local partners’ activities in co-ordinating community engagement and communicating its impact on their decisions

1.10 Through the Area Assessment the CAA will make one assessment of community safety delivered by the Partnership and its partners in Sefton which will, in part, be based on the effective delivery of the outcomes associated with the Strategic Intelligence Assessments (SIA’s). As we anticipate the Strategic Intelligence Assessments become of critical importance to the Area Assessment inspection process that will feature in the new CAA

1.11 Further to this the CAA will almost certainly be reflective of the recent Home Office review on Neighbourhood Policing and also Louise Casey’s report on ‘engaging communities in fighting crime’ both of which emphasise the need to work in local partnerships to address local issues. In her report Casey states that:

‘ [bring] together local policing within the broad range of local services provided by local councils , housing associations and others that contribute to community safety by tackling crime and anti-social behaviour’ [Chapter 3; pg 30]

1.12 If the SIA identifies the local ‘risk/priority’ issues from the available data (including as it does community consultation data) then the Local Community Safety Area Partnerships that we are developing bring partners together to agree how to progress those priorities and turn them into actions. Again it is envisaged that the Local Community Safety Area Partnerships will again feature in the Area Assessment of the CAA.

1.13 As such it is anticipated that the CAA will thus review both the methodology and the production of the SIA, qualifying as it will its effective identification of the ‘public’s priorities’ and also the effectiveness of partnership working within the Local Community Safety Area Partnerships (CSAP’s). Section 2 (below) looks at the production of the SIA ‘s in Sefton, whilst Section 4 describes the proposed model of the CSAP’s and how integral they are to the process of ensuring there is a strong and accountable local delivery of services by the partners.

2.0 Sefton’s Approach to the Strategic Intelligence Assessments (SIA)

Page 48 Agenda Item 9

2.1 Sefton’s Community Safety Department, on behalf of the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership, have undertaken the responsibility to produce the Strategic Intelligence Assessment. Within Sefton we have already established, through the Neighbourhood Planning Unit (now named ‘AIM’ Analysis and Intelligence Management Team), the staff, business processes and data protocols to allow this requirement to be implemented to the requirements of the Hallmarks and the CAA.

2.2 The production of an SIA has to be based on a robust business model reflective of the broader principles of the National Intelligence Model used by the Police. To comply with this requirement the Analysis and Intelligence Team (AIM) have analysed data from the data-sets as described below ( See Appendix 1 for detail ):

• British Crime Survey Comparator Crime (BCS-crime) • Anti-Social Behaviour Incident data • Mayrise & Flare Environmental Data • Substance Misuse data (a subset of recorded crime) • Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service data

2.3 To complement and add further context to the data sets, as described above, the Community Safety Division have also commissioned an extensive public perception survey that allows residents in Sefton to comment on specific community safety issues.

2.4 The requirement to take into account local perceptions of crime and safety is another statutory requirement associated with the production of the SIA, in that the Partnership need to reflect the views from the community on matters they would want to be prioritised.

2.5 This wider consultation process of consultation commenced in May 2006 with the development of the ‘ Safer ’ questionnaire and the appointment of an independent market research company (Mott MacDonald) to undertake the process on behalf of the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership. The resultant tracking survey allows up to 60 different residents from each Area Committee Area each month to give their views on community safety issues ranging from personal crime through anti-social behaviour and the RESPECT programme to perceptions of drug issues and environmental crime.

2.6 The ‘Safer’ survey has built not only a ‘perception picture’ for Sefton but also one for each Area Committee Area that complements and adds a further ‘richness’ to the development of the SIA’s. From this information it becomes possible to prioritise, on the basis of ‘respondents responses’ those community safety issues that are most reflective of the wider concerns of the general public in each Area Committee Area (See Appendix 2 ) in a way that can be assessed and tracked over time in a manner that allows the SSCP to establish if the actions they have employed have changed residents perceptions and feelings about their safety.

2.7 The same survey instrument is also being used by the SSCP to monitor and assess its 4 current Local Area Agreement targets as well as the new LAA indicators agreed by the Local Strategic Partnership. To date the views and options of over 10,000 residents have been captured and used to inform and drive this process in Sefton.

Page 49 Agenda Item 9

2.8 In addition the SSCP have now also commissioned a ‘Stronger’ survey that further allows the SSCP partners to better understand the wider outcomes associated with issues associated with the work of the SSCP such as satisfaction belonging, cohesion and volunteering within local communities. This will allow the SSCP to be in a better position to be able to respond to the implications of the new Place Survey and the Assessment of Policing and Community Safety that will feature in the new Comprehensive Area Assessments.

2.9 The construction of the SIA has to follow the broader business models as highlighted in the new Hallmarks of Effective Partnerships . This requires the analysis to use a consistent set of rules applied to the analysis of all the data sets to highlight issues and incidents in a repeatable way. ( See Appendix 3 ).

2.10 As such the process of producing the SIA’s will be the platform and the business case for the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership to both plan with partners, and where necessary commission, programmes to address these local community safety issues.

3 Priorities

3.1 The Community Safety Department, on behalf of the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership, has now refreshed the Strategic Intelligence Assessment for a geography aligned with each respective Area Committee. .

3.2 A copy of the Area Committee priorities can be found in Appendix 4.

4.0 Community Safety Area Partnerships

4.1 In Sefton the SSCP endorsed the development of the SIA’s to reflect as best as possible the local concerns and crime and disorder patterns associated with a geography that was co-terminus with each respective Area Committee and also where possible each Police Neighbourhood, although in some cases one Police Neighbourhood may cover a larger area than the Area Committee.

4.2 In addition the process, as originally conceived, is also now taking into account the developing Neighbourhood Management model so the work around the development of actions to address the SIA priorities is not distinct from the wider Neighbourhood Management model but complements it.

4.3 To translate the SIA priorities into ‘ actionable analysis’ at the local level officers representing the key partners of the SSCP meet at a ‘local’ Community Safety Area Partnership meeting to discuss the SIA priorities for that Area Committee Area. The partners discuss the 12-month special and temporal analysis of the data, and then review the latest 3-months data on each priority theme to see if there are any emerging issues that need to be addressed. This detailed analysis of each priority allows partners to construct action plans that address each of the key themes within the SIA such as repeat locations, hot-spot areas, temporal and spatial issues such as peak times of the year and days about which incidents occur.

4.4 The actionable analysis to address the priorities in the SIA forms the basis of specific Community Safety Area Partnership Plans. These local partnership meetings allow operational officers from the various ‘responsible authorities’ to meet collectively to better understand and discuss as ‘partners’ the broader issues and community concerns identified in the SIA.

Page 50 Agenda Item 9

4.5 It is has been recognised nationally and locally that an effective response to the priority issues, especially in the field of Safer and Stronger Communities, requires organisations working in effective partnership, where services work collaboratively and effectively with a common understanding of how they can collectively make a difference to the lives of residents and communities.

4.6 This ethos is at the very heart of the Community Safety Area Partnerships ‘working in effective partnership’ to deliver a series of focussed interventions that reflect and address local concerns, very much in line with the anticipated requirements of the CAA. It is proposed that the process of identifying both the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership’s ‘priorities’ and the action plans is a fully inclusive process that will be reported to the SSCP, Communities Cabinet Member and each respective Area Committee.

4.7 To further ensure that the process of consultation with the community to identify ‘local priorities’ is reflected back to residents and respondents who have taken part in the community safety survey, the SSCP agreed to ensure that the SIA priorities, action plans and commitment of partners to address the priorities should be, as widely as possible, transparent.

4.8 As such the SIA priorities, the commitment of partners and activity to address those priorities will feature in the media in the coming months so local residents can feel better informed about the work of the Community Safety Area Partnerships and hold the wider strategic ‘Partnership’ to account in terms of their understanding of what is being done to address and deliver against those priorities. The Community Safety public perception survey will assess the impact of how well we are doing, as there are specific questions in the survey that will allow both the SSCP and the Community Safety Area Partnerships to review their progress.

4.9 The Community Safety Area Partnerships (CSAP) will work around a core set of defining principles complemented by a degree of local flexibility to meet and further respond to locally identified need. For the CSAP to be effective we believe that it should have (as described in the new Neighbourhood Policing model);

• A clearly defined local geography

• A set of agreed and shared local community safety priorities (SIA)

• Shared information, feedback and communication with the stakeholders and the local community on partnership focus accountability and progress.

• Co-ordination by partners of their activity to tackle priorities effectively

• Evidenced based deployment of resources

• A neighbourhood lead to support the leadership of the CSAP

• Strong and effective joined –up community engagement with feedback to the local community on what the partners have and are doing to address their concerns.

• The partnership reaches clear decisions based on the best available evidence

• The partnership reflects and works to the Hallmarks of Effective Partnership

Page 51 Agenda Item 9

• There are clear lines of accountability back to the SSCP and also through the Local Democratic Process to the Area Committee and Cabinet Communities.

• We recognise as a Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership the crucial role that the Area Committee, and local councillors, play. We are therefore suggest that there needs to be an effective working relationship between the Area Committee and the Local Community Safety Area Partnership and would welcome further feedback when the SIA priorities are presented at the Area Committee.

4.10 The Community Safety Area Partnerships (CSAP’s) are supported by the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership who have put in place the effective administrative and secretarial support as well will be providing dedicated officer support. Through our Analysis and Intelligence Management Team (AIM) we will be able to provide information to both the Local Community Safety Area Partnership as well as produce briefing reports for all Councillors that could, subject to the approval of the Area Committee, feature as both public and confidential briefings on the prevalence of crime, anti-social behaviour with additional longitudinal analysis of how crime and disorder changes over time along with community perceptions.

5.0 Conclusion

5.1 The Community Safety Department, on behalf of the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership, have produced the relevant Strategic Intelligence Assessments. The methodology being employed in their production ensures that each SIA is bespoke and relevant to each Area Committee Area.

5.2 The SIA will be an embedded and central feature in the Community Safety Area Partnerships which through an evolving process will enable agencies and departments to further understand and be more responsive to the key issues that affect residents in each Area Committee Area that otherwise may be ‘diluted’ if the SIA were conducted at the Sefton Borough-wide level. As a process the partners are always keen to reflect additional information and add to their understanding in a way that would naturally assist in the most effective deployment of resource, and recognise the role of the Area Committees in this.

5.3 The Strategic Intelligence Assessments will define the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership’s key priorities for a 12-month period. However these ‘priorities’ are not ‘fixed in stone’ and will, subject to discussion and evidence, be amended so they remain contemporary and relevant to local communities.

6.0 Recommendations

1. The Strategic Intelligence Report and the local Safer and Stronger Communities priorities to be noted.

Page 52 Agenda Item 9

Appendix 1

Data Sets used in the preparation of Strategic Intelligence Assessments (SIA’s)

The analysis to prepare the SIA is derived from the following categories within each of the data sets as described below. The data sets include those that describe and record the prevalence of reported: • Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) • British Crime Survey (BCS) • Environmental (ENV) • Fire (FIRE) • Crime: Substance Misuse .

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has been defined within the Police NICL dataset: -

Category NICL Code Abandoned Vehicles (not stolen/causing obstruction) P211 or 211 Animal Problems P212 or 212 Begging/Vagrancy P213 or 213 Hoax call to emergency services P214 or 214 Inappropriate use/sale/posession of fireworks P215 or 215 Malicious communications P216 or 216 Noise P217 or 217 Prostitution Related activity P218 or 218 Rowdy / Nuisance - Environmental Damage / Littering P219 or 219 Rowdy / Nuisance - Neighbours P220 or 220 Rowdy / Nuisance - Rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour P221 or 221 Street Drinking P222 or 222 Substance Misuse P223 or 223 Trespass P224 or 224 Vehicle Nuisance / Inappropriate Vehicle Use P225 or 225

Period for analysis: Discoverer 04/06 – 03/07 as supplied by Merseyside Police.

British Crime Survey crime (BCS-crime) has been defined within the IMS dataset Data set

Category Home Office Code Theft from Person 3900 Common Assault 10423, 10433, 10500 & 10501 Vehicle Interference 12600 & 82590 Domestic Burglary 2800, 2801, 2802 & 2900 Personal Robbery 3405, 3406 & 3407 Theft of a Vehicle 3702, 4801, 4802, 13001, 13002 & 13101 Theft of Pedal Cycle 4400 & 13718 Theft from a Vehicle 4510 & 4511 Wounding 501, 514, 803, 806, 833 & 834 Criminal Damage 5601, 5602, 5700, 5701, 5702, 5800, 5801, 5802, 5803, 5804, 5805, 5807, 5809, 5811 & 5813 analysed - IMS 04/06 – 03/07 as supplied by Merseyside Police.

Page 53 Agenda Item 9

Environmental Data has been defined within the data as the following:- Dataset Category Flare Accumulation of Refuse Flare Dang. Sructure office hours Flare Dang. Structure out of hours Flare Dangerous Structures Flare Dangerous/Aggressive Dogs Flare Filthy & verminous premises Flare Fly Tipping Flare Graffiti Flare Grot Spots Flare Insecure Prem. Office hours Flare Overgrown land/gardens Flare Rats Flare Stray Dogs Flare Vacant & unsecure premises Mayrise Abandoned Vehicle Mayrise Fly Tipping Mayrise Graffiti Mayrise Rear Entries Mayrise Street Cleansing Mayrise Street Sweeping

Dataset analysed - Flare 04/06 – 03/07 and Mayrise 04/06 – 03/07 as supplied by Sefton MBC Environmental Protection Department.

Fire has been defined within the data as described by the following:-

Dataset Category Fire Challenged Calls Fire Deliberate Property Fires Fire Malicious Calls Fire Secondary Fires Fire Vehicle Fires Fire Violence at Work

Dataset analysed - Fire 04/06 – 03/07 as supplied by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Substance Misuse has been defined within the IMS dataset using the following Home Office recorded crime codes: -

Category Home Office Code Possession 9250, 9251, 9252, 9253, 9254, 9255, 9259, 9260, 9266, 9268 & 9269 Supply 9230, 9231, 9234, 9270, 9271, 9274, 9279, 9280, 9281 & 9289 Other 9221, 9229, 9320, 9330 & 9340

Dataset analysed - IMS 04/06 – 03/07 as supplied by Merseyside Police.

Page 54 Agenda Item 9

Appendix 2

The Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership: Public Perception Survey (Sefton’s Tracking Survey)

An independent social marketing research company, Mott McDonald has been commissioned by the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership (SSCP) to undertake a public perception ‘tracking survey’ for Sefton that also produces statistically relevant findings for each Local Area Committee Area. Each month 60 residents from each Area Committee Area are selected at random and asked a series of questions in a street ‘face-to-face’ interview that is specifically looking to define community safety issues.

Analysis of the data, which is again carried out by the independent research company Mott McDonald, establishes those community safety issues that, based on residents perceptions, are a priority for residents in each Area Committee Area.

The questionnaire has been designed to cover the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership’s Local Area Agreement mandatory outcomes and as such includes indicators to establish respondents’ perceptions under the following headings:

• Reassure the Public, reducing the fear of crime - Fear of being a victim of crime

• Reassure the public, reducing the fear of crime- General community safety issues

• Reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs

• Build RESPECT in communities and reduce Anti-social behaviour (National LAA indicator set)

• Anti Social Behaviour (Local indicator set)

• Empower local people to have a greater choice and influence over local decision making and a greater role in public service delivery

• Improve the quality of the local environment

Page 55 Agenda Item 9

Appendix 3

Rules applied to the data to identify ‘priorities’ .

Identifying Wards as ‘priority’ wards within an Area Committee Area.

1. Where a Ward within an Area Committee Area is sufficiently different to its peers in terms of overall counts of ‘incidents’ for all data sets, this Ward would be identified as a ‘priority’ ward and/or 2. Where Wards within an Area Committee Area have a reasonably similar profile in terms of overall counts of ‘incident’ for all data sets, but are also over the Sefton average , both or more wards would be identified as a priority wards. 3. Wards that are below the Sefton Average for overall counts on ‘incidents’ for all data sets would not be selected as a ‘priority’ ward within an Area Committee Area.

Identifying Area Committee Area ‘Priorities’

1. Using the Ward profile data for each individual Ward the Top 3 categories of a data set based on ‘count’ are identified.

2. Using the Ward profile data for each individual Ward the Top 3 categories of a data set based on a comparison with the Sefton average are identified.

3. Categories that are common in analysis process 1 & 2 are identified

4. Assess the categories identified in Process 3 across Wards to identify levels of Commonality across the Area Committee Area (ACA).

5. Where sufficient commonality exists across Wards this category would be regarded as an ACA Priority.

6. Where there is insufficient commonality across Wards, the category with the highest Count of incidents within the ACA would become the designated ACA priority.

7. This process is repeated for all data sets (Recorded Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour, Environmental Incidents, Substance Misuse and Fire incidents)

For the substance misuse data set there are only 3 categories of substance misuse crime that include; Possession, Supply and Other offence. Due to the limited number of categories and possession accounting for the majority of substance misuse incidents, substance misuse will only be identified as a priority should the ACA have a level above the Sefton average.

Page 56 Agenda Item 9

Appendix 4

Formby Priorities

Perception Survey Perception Survey Data Set Category Priority Category Priority

Crime • Burglary Dwelling Fear of being a victim • Burglary Dwelling of crime

ASB • Abandoned Vehicles • Build • Teenagers • Vehicle/ Nuisance/ RESPECT in Hanging Around Inappropriate Vehicle communities • Litter and Rubbish Use and reduce ASB (National LAA indicator set) • Anti Social • Underage Drinking Behaviour • Youth Disorder (Local indicator set) Environmental • Fly tipping Improve the quality of • Dog Fouling • Street Sweeping the local environment Substance Misuse • Possession Reduce the harm Not Applicable caused by illegal drugs

Page 57 This page is intentionally left blank

Page 58 Agenda Item 10

Meeting: Formby Area Committee

Date of Meeting : 28 August 2008

Title of Report: Budget Monitoring Report

Report of : P. Edwards This report contains Yes No Finance Director CONFIDENTIAL √ Information/ Contact Officer : M. W. Martin EXEMPT information by virtue of 0151 934 3506 paragraph(s)...... of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local √ Government Act, 1972 (If information is marked exempt, the Public Interest Test must be applied and favour the exclusion of the information from the press and public). Is the decision on this report √ DELEGATED ?

Purpose of Report

In line with the policy approved by Cabinet on 16 June 2005, this report: - i) seeks the Committee’s confirmation of any proposals made by the Strategic Director for requests up to £1,000; ii) advises Members of the budget for 2007/8 and the balance available for allocation; and iii) provides the forum for consideration of formal reports for requests for allocations above £1,000. To improve the procedure for approving allocations financed from Area Committee budgets.

Recommendation(s)

Members are asked to: a) Note the balance available to the Area Committee for allocation for the rest of the year.

b) Consider any further reports for requests for allocation above £1,000.

Page 59 Agenda Item 10

Corporate Objective Monitoring

Corporate Positive Neutral Negative Objective Impact Impact Impact 1. Creating a Learning Community ü 2. Creating Safe Communities ü 3. Jobs and Prosperity ü 4. Improving Health and Well-Being ü 5. Environmental Sustainability ü 6. Creating Inclusive Communities ü 7. Improving the Quality of Council Services and ü Strengthening local Democracy 8. Children and Young People ü

Financial Implications

Any proposals contained in this report can be contained within the Area Committee’s delegated budget.

Departments consulted in the preparation of this Report

Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy)

List of background papers relied upon in the preparation of this Report

Report to Cabinet: Area Committee Budgets on 16 June 2005.

SEFTON M.B.C.

Page 60 Agenda Item 10

BACKGROUND:

1. Introduction

1.1 In 2002-03 the Council allocated funds to Area Committees for expenditure on local priorities that would not otherwise be funded from Council budgets. This budget has remained in place in subsequent financial years.

1.2 As a measure to improve the administration and control of Area Committees’ budgets Cabinet on 16 June 2005 approved new procedural arrangements including the formalisation of a reporting regime to each respective Area Committee meeting advising of proposals made by the relevant Strategic Director of requests up to £1,000 and any commitments entered into. The report also advises each Area Committee of the balance of its budget available for allocation.

2. Proposals made by the Strategic Director and commitments arising

2.1 At the time of writing this report the Strategic Director has received no requests for allocations of up to £1,000.

3 Budget available for allocation

3.1 The table below summarises the Area Committee’s budget position for this year. The second column shows the balance of funds brought forward; the third column shows the allocations made this year and the fourth column the amount available for allocation for the rest of the year. For information, details of the allocations made to date are shown in Annex A.

Area Committee Balance Allocations to Available B/fwd date Funds £ £ £ Formby £28,821.71 £2,340.79 £26,480.92

4 Recommendations

4.1 That the Area Committee: a) Notes the balance available to the Area Committee for allocation for the rest of the year.

b) Consider any further reports for requests for allocation above £1,000.

Page 61 Agenda Item 10

Formby Area Committee Annex A

Resources available: 2007/8 balance brought forward £10,807.71 2008/9 allocation £16,900.00 2008/9 litter bin allocation £1,114.00

Sub total £28,821.71 Less: Allocations made to date £2,340.79 Balance available for 2008/9 £26,480.92

Allocations :

Date Minute Project Cost Approved Number 1. Victoria Road – 2 metal litterbins 3 July 24 (2) £760 2. Long lane – 2 metal litterbins 3 July 24 (2) £760 3. Southport Road – plinth for litterbin 3 July 24 (3) £50 4. Alt Road – 3 trees 3 July 24 (2) £770.79

Total £2,340.79

Page 62