FULL COUNCIL – 25 June 2012

15 June 2012

Meeting of the Council

Monday, 25 June 2012 at 6.35 pm

Council Chamber, Town Hall, Warrington

Diana Terris Chief Executive ______

Agenda prepared by Sharon Parker, Councillor Services Manager – Telephone: (01925) 442161, Fax: (01925) 442014, Email [email protected] ______

1. Apologies

2. The Minutes of the Council

To be moved by the Mayor and seconded by the Deputy Mayor:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 21 May 2012 be agreed as a correct record.

3. Code of Conduct – Declarations of Interest

Members are reminded that they should orally declare personal/prejudicial interests, that they have in any matter or item to be considered at the meeting, including interests relating to the receipt of any relevant gifts or hospitality received within the preceding three years. Please refer to the specific requirements of the Code of Conduct regarding the need to declare interests, the timing of such declarations and exemptions.

The Solicitor to the Council or representatives in Democratic and Member Services are available prior to the meeting to advise and/or to receive details of the interest and the item to which it relates.

Declarations are a personal matter for each Member to decide. Whilst officers will advise on the Code and its interpretation, the decision to declare, or not, is the responsibility of the Member based on the particular circumstances.

4. The Mayor's Civic Announcements

5. The Leader’s Announcements

6. Questions Received from Members of the Public

In accordance with Standing Order 13.11-13.24 questions from the public must be received by the Head of Democratic and Member Services by 12 noon on Monday, 18 June 2012. No more than 3 questions shall be addressed and no person or body or organisation may submit more than 1 question at any one meeting. A time limit of five minutes shall apply per question to cover the asking of the question, the response and any supplementary question and response. Responses will be given either orally or in writing.

The Mayor will invite the questioner to put the question to the Councillor nominated to answer it. The Mayor may receive 1 supplementary question, which must be related to the original question.

Should any questions be received after the date of agenda issue but prior to the closing date for receipt of questions further details will be provided.

Question 1 – From Mr J Mulhall to Executive Board Member, Environment and Public Protection

Are Councillors aware that Golden Gates Housing Trust charges its tenants when transferring properties rent for the over lapping week?

7. To Receive Reports from the Executive Board & the Council’s Committees

7.1 Appointment of Interim Chief Executive

Recommendation of the Chief Officer Employment Committee.

7.2 Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge

Report of Councillor John Kerr-Brown - Chair of Environment & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

8. Questions from Members of the Council

In accordance with Standing Order 13.1 – 13.10 Questions must be received by the Head of Democratic and Member Services, in writing by 5.00pm on Tuesday, 19 June 2012. The time allowed at Council meetings for asking and responding to a question including any supplementary questions should normally be five minutes.

Should any questions be received after the date of agenda issue but prior to the closing date for receipt of questions further details will be provided.

9. Motions

In accordance with Standing Order 15, motions must be delivered to the Head of Democratic and Member Services by 9.30am on Friday, 15 June 2012.

Motion 1 - Police and Crime Panels – guidelines for political proportionality

Proposed by Cllr. Ian Marks Seconded by Cllr. Keith Gleave

Council notes: 1. that in November the Cheshire Police Authority will be wound up and replaced by an elected Police & Crime Commissioner;

2. that the elected Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner will be held to account by a Cheshire Police & Crime Panel;

3. that this Panel, which will have ten elected members from across the four local authorities in Cheshire, is required to be, so far as practicable, politically balanced across Cheshire as a whole and that WBC is the lead authority for this Panel;

4. that, at its meeting on June 6 this year, the Joint Committee of the four Cheshire Local Authorities, responsible for appointing the nine elected members to the current Cheshire Police Authority so that they reflect the political balance across Cheshire as a whole, so far as practicable; chose to appoint nine members who do not reflect, so far as practicable, the political balance in Cheshire;

The Council, therefore, is resolved to ask the Executive to explain to the Home Office what happened at the meeting of the Joint Committee on June 6, and ask for clear and unambiguous guidelines for the appointment of elected members to the future Cheshire Police & Crime Panel and an independent appeals procedure in case of dispute.

Motion 2

Proposed by Cllr. Chris Vobe Seconded by Cllr. Lines Rowlands

This council:- deplores the Government's decision to cut the amount available for council tax support by at least 10%; notes that this will take £1.3 million out of Warrington's economy; further notes that the impact of this cut is likely to be felt by disabled people, carers and those working for low wage in the Borough; notes that any increase in counil tax benefits will occur as a result of Government policy and not because of decisions by this council; commends the efforts by Warrington North MP Helen Jones and colleagues to call attention to the impact of this policy; and calls on Warrington South MP David Mowat to lobby his government to abandon this attempt to take money from the borough and from some of the poorest people in Warrington.

Motion 3

Proposed by Cllr. Kevin Bennett Seconded by Cllr. Jan Davidson

Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in the 2012 budget, that the Government desires to introduce 'more market facing' public sector pay. This could mean an end to National Pay deals and replaced with Regional or local pay deals.

Wages in Warrington are better than the national average, full-time workers in Warrington are paid on average £513 per week, higher than the national average of £503 but the North West average is £460 per week. Therefore, Warrington would be dragged down even further under regional or localised pay.

There are 3.5 JSA claimants per job vacancy across Warrington with 25,600 public sector jobs. Women will be disproportionally affected as 65% of public sector workers are female.

This Council requests the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Chief Secretary to the Treasury

• stating this council’s opposition to plans for regional and localised public sector pay.

• Writes to all local MPs within the next month outlining concerns about the impact that this policy would have on services and the local economy.

• Signs up to the 'Pay Fair' campaign and raise awareness of the implications and risks of this policy locally, regionally and nationally.

10. The Localism Act – Amended Standards Regime

Report of the Solicitor to the Council and Head of Corporate Governance to follow.

11. Changes to Committee Places

Notice of the following changes to committee places has been received by the Head of Democratic & Member Services:

Councillor C Vobe - from Development Management Committee to Children, Young People and Skills OSC

Councillor J Davidson – from Children, Young People and Skills OSC to Development Management Committee.

12. Appointment to the Independent Remuneration Panel

Report of the Solicitor to the Council and Head of Corporate Governance.

13. 3 September Meeting of the Council

It is proposed that the 3 September Council meeting is put back a week until 10 September at 6.35pm. Council Procedure Rule 2.5 allows for the change of date by consent of the Mayor or the Council itself.

If you would like this information provided in another language or format, including large print, Braille, audio or British Sign Language, please call 01925 443322 or ask at the reception desk in Contact Warrington, Horsemarket Street, Warrington.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

21 May 2012

Present: The Mayor (Councillor M Biggin) In the Chair (Items C1-C2) The Mayor (Councillor S Wright) In the Chair (Items C3 – C17)

Councillors: R Barr, K Bennett, S Bland, R Bowden, P Bretherton, P Carey, J Carter, J Davidson, A Dirir, L S Dirir, S Dodd, T Finnegan, C Fitzsimmons, G Friend, C Froggatt, J Guthrie, K Hannon, M Hannon, A Higgins, L Hoyle, W Hughes, C Jordan, J Joyce, D Keane, P Kennedy, J Kerr-Brown, L Ladbury, B Lines-Rowlands, B Maher, I G Marks, A McCarthy, M McLaughlin, H Mundry, L Murphy, P Nelson, T P O’Neill, S Parish, H Patel, D Price, F Rashid, J Richards, S Roberts, G Settle, K Simcock, J Walker, P Walker, G Welborn, T Williams, S Woodyatt, P Wright

C 1 Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillors Axcell, Brinksman, Gleave, Johnson and Wood.

C 2 Election of Mayor and Acceptance to Office

The election of Councillor S Wright as Mayor for the Municipal Year 2012/13, was moved by Councillor Mundry and seconded by Councillor D Keane and

Council Resolved,

That Councillor S Wright be elected Mayor of the Borough of Warrington until the acceptance of office by a successor at the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

C 3 Election of Deputy Mayor and Acceptance to Office

The election of Councillor P Carey as Deputy Mayor for the Municipal Year 2012/13 was moved by Councillor M Hannon and seconded by Councillor T O’Neill and

Council Resolved,

That Councillor P Carey be elected Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Warrington until immediately after the election of Mayor at the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

C 4 Appointment of Mayor’s Chaplain

The Mayor announced the appointment of Father Montgomery.

C 5 Code of Conduct – Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were received.

C 6 The Minutes of the Council

Resolved,

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 26 March be signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

C 7 Results of the Borough Elections 2012

Council noted the results of the Borough Elections as detailed. The Mayor thanked all outgoing members for their service to the Town and welcomed new Councillors.

Appleton Candidate Party Number of votes Brian Patrick Axcell Liberal Democrats 1660 Paul Carter Labour 453 Phil Marshall Conservative 1067

Bewsey and Whitecross Candidate Party Number of votes Jeff Richards Labour 1478 Judith Carol Wheeler Liberal Democrats 309

Birchwood Candidate Party Number of votes Nigel Balding Conservative 633 Charlie Hulse Liberal Democrats 157 Pauline Nelson Labour 1663

Burtonwood and Winwick Candidate Party Number of votes Stefan Krizanac Liberal Democrats 89 Terry O'Neill Labour 1241 June Rios Conservative 316

Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft Candidate Party Number of votes Keith Bland Conservative 1350 Merril Cummerson Liberal Democrats 264 Chris Vobe Labour 2134

Fairfield and Howley Candidate Party Number of votes Kevin Bennett Labour and Co- 1505 Operative Nicola Jane Brent Liberal Democrats 220 Lyndsay McAteer Green Party 245

Grappenhall and Thelwall Candidate Party Number of votes Roger Philip Cawthorne Conservative 615 Ted Finnegan Liberal Democrats 1191 Mark Andrew Littler Labour 622 Michael Victor Smith Green Party 94 Richard William Vaughan UK Independence Party 168

Great Sankey South Candidate Party Number of votes Sam Baxter Conservative 370 Roy Alfred Smith Liberal Democrats 343 Tony Williams Labour 1507

Hatton, Stretton & Walton Candidate Party Number of votes Dave Hockenhull Liberal Democrats 145 Paul Kennedy Conservative 533 John Edward Park Labour 197

Lymm Candidate Party Number of votes James Ashington UK Independence Party 395 Graham Farrington Gowland Liberal Democrats 591 Su Williams Labour 1195 Sheila Elizabeth Woodyatt Conservative 1458

Orford Candidate Party Number of votes John Davies Liberal Democrats 206 Mike Hannon Labour 1517

Penketh and Cuerdley Candidate Party Number of votes Paul Campbell Conservative 824 Allin Dirir Labour 1603 Tim Price Liberal Democrats 97

Poplars and Hulme Candidate Party Number of votes Helena Campbell Conservative 196 Iona Katrine Gillis Liberal Democrats 144 Brian Maher Labour 1312

Poulton North Candidate Party Number of votes Sandra Joan Bradshaw Liberal Democrats 802 Mark Chapman Conservative 241 Billy Lines-Rowlands Labour 1226

Poulton South Candidate Party Number of votes Jeff Butler Liberal Democrats 262 Colin Froggatt Labour 1109 Eveline Johanna Van Der Green Party 132 Steen Rixton and Woolston Candidate Party Number of votes Diana Grylls Liberal Democrats 90 Lilian Houghton Conservative 426 Ross Lloyd Green Party 208 Tony McCarthy Labour 1446

Stockton Heath Candidate Party Number of votes Laurence James Murphy Labour 664 Ann Raymond Liberal Democrats 434 Stephen Taylor Conservative 605 Kenneth Robin Wilson Green Party 140

Westbrook Candidate Party Number of votes David Ernest Earl Liberal Democrats 507 Michael Foxall Conservative 183 Judith Mary Guthrie Labour 674

Whittle Hall Candidate Party Number of votes Stephanie Davies Green Party 126 Will Hughes Labour 1119 Jonathan Levy Conservative 361 Kevin Reynolds Liberal Democrats 865

C 8 The Mayor’s Announcements

The Mayor stated that he would provide further details on his civic year at future meetings of the Council.

C 9 Chief Executive’s Announcements

The Chief Executive reported on the following successes and examples of service quality:

• Warrington had been appointed as a Music Hub for the region. • The Authority had been awarded £400k via SELEX for street lighting. • The bereavement service had retained its ISO accreditation. • The success of the Royal Visit had show-cased the achievements of Orford Jubilee Park and in particular the new library which was 1 of 58 lottery funded projects. She thanked all involved in the project.

C 10 Election of the Leader of the Council

Council noted the reconfirmation of Councillor T P O’Neill as the Leader of the Council for the Municipal Year 2012/2013.

C 11 Election of Deputy Leader of the Council

Council was requested to elect the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Municipal Year 2012/2013.

It was proposed by Councillor O’Neill and seconded by Councillor Maher and

Council Resolved,

That Councillor M Hannon be appointed Deputy Leader of the Council for the Municipal Year 2012/2013.

C 12 The Executive Board

Councillor O’Neill reported on the appointment of his Executive Board as follows:

T O’Neill Leader M Hannon Deputy Leader R Bowden Corporate Resources and Assignments L Dirir Highways, Transportation & Climate Change C Froggatt Children and Young People’s Services K Hannon Leisure, Community & Culture D Keane Environment & Public Protection H Patel Personnel & Communications P Wright Health & Wellbeing and Adult Services

C 13 The Leader’s Announcements

The Leader made the following announcements.

Cllr O’Neill welcomed newly elected Councillors to the Council – Cllrs Vobe, Williams, Dirir, Lines-Rowlands, Murphy, Guthrie and Hughes. In addition Cllr Finnegan was welcomed as a returning Councillor.

Cllr O’Neill stated that the results were a vote of confidence in the Council’s Administration and that it would continue to support business to provide the best local economy possible.

The Leader also referred to the recent royal visit to the town and said it was not only an honour, but also a boost to Warrington.

There were no questions put to the Leader.

C 14 Adoption of Constitution 2012/2013

The Council received a report that sought approval to re-adopt the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation. 5

It was proposed by Councillor T P O’Neill and seconded by Councillor M Hannon and

Council Resolved,

That Council re-adopts the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation to Officers set out in the Constitution for 2012/13, to include those changes summarised in this report.

Reason for Decision: To comply with legislation, statutory guidance and current best practice.

C 15 Committees of the Council

The Council received a report that:

1. Detailed the calculation of proportionality for committee places; to take account of the outcome of the local government elections for 2012 and to appoint the Council’s Committees for 2012/13 and to agree their membership, Chairs and Deputy Chairs.

2. The establishment of standing committees on an annual basis ensured that the Council was able to meet its statutory, staffing, regulatory, governance, ethical standards and overview and scrutiny responsibilities.

At the meeting Councillor O’Neill stated that there was the facility for members to change places on committees through the year.

Council was also informed of a change to the membership previously circulated as follows: Councillor Murphy - Development Management Committee and Councillor Williams – Audit and Corporate Governance Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor T O’Neill and seconded by Councillor M Hannon and was resolved, That Council approves: (1) The calculation of committee places for 2012/13, as set out below:

Committee Conservative Labour Lib Dem Total

Overview and Scrutiny (x5) 5 38 12 55 Appeals 1 5 1 7 Development Management 1 9 2 12 Licensing 1 11 3 15 Traffic 1 5 1 7 Audit & Corp Governance 1 8 2 11 Mayoral Selection 1 2 1 4 Chief Officer Employment 1 3 1 5 Cheshire Fire Authority 0 4 1 5 Cheshire Police and 2 2 Crime Panel 12 87 24 123

The Standards Committee and any sub-committees were not taken into account for the purposes of the overall political balance calculation. However, sub-committees should be politically balanced on an individual basis, in so far as this is possible.

The Cheshire Police and Crime Panel was to be established in November 2012. The 2 places allocated to Warrington were included in the schedule in anticipation of change.

It was proposed to appoint the Committees and Sub-Committees with the same Terms of Reference as set out in the Constitution.

(2) The membership of committees and appointment of Chairs and Deputy Chairs, as set out below:

OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND SKILLS 8:2:1 (11) P BRETHERTON LAB CHAIR K SIMCOCK LAB DEPUTY CHAIR K BENNETT LAB J CARTER LAB J DAVIDSON LAB M McLAUGHLIN LAB P NELSON LAB A DIRIR LAB C JORDAN L/D P WALKER L/D S WOODYATT CONS

ECONOMY AND RESOURCES 8:2:1 (11) J JOYCE LAB CHAIR G SETTLE LAB DEPUTY CHAIR K BENNETT LAB C FITZSIMMONS LAB J KERR-BROWN LAB D PRICE LAB F RASHID LAB P CAREY LAB K GLEAVE L/D P WALKER L/D P KENNEDY CON

ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING 7:3:1 (11) J KERR-BROWN LAB CHAIR L LADBURY LAB DEPUTY CHAIR B BRINKSMAN LAB D PRICE LAB S ROBERTS LAB G SETTLE LAB 7

J GUTHRIE LAB M BIGGIN L/D B BARR L/D T WOOD L/D S WOODYATT CON

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING 7:3:1 (11) T HIGGINS LAB CHAIR J CARTER LAB DEPUTY CHAIR L LADBURY LAB M McLAUGHLIN LAB H MUNDRY LAB S ROBERTS LAB B LINES-ROWLANDS LAB I MARKS L/D W JOHNSON L/D J WALKER L/D L HOYLE CONS

NEIGHBOURHOODS AND COMMUNITIES 8:2:1 (11) H MUNDRY LAB CHAIR M McLAUGHLIN LAB DEPUTY CHAIR T HIGGINS LAB B MAHER LAB J RICHARDS LAB G SETTLE LAB K SIMCOCK LAB C VOBE LAB T FINNEGAN L/D K GLEAVE L/D S BLAND CON

REGULATORY AND OTHER COMMITTEES

APPEALS 5:1:1 (7) P NELSON LAB CHAIR J DAVIDSON LAB DEPUTY CHAIR K HANNON LAB T HIGGINS LAB A DIRIR LAB M BIGGIN L/D P KENNEDY CONS

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 9:2:1 (12) T McCARTHY LAB CHAIR J RICHARDS LAB DEPUTY CHAIR G FRIEND LAB T HIGGINS LAB L LADBURY LAB F RASHID LAB G SETTLE LAB

L MURPHY LAB C VOBE LAB C JORDAN L/D B BARR L/D L HOYLE CON

PLANNING APPLICATIONS SUB COMMITTEE 5:1:1 (7)

T McCARTHY LAB CHAIR J RICHARDS LAB DEPUTY CHAIR T HIGGINS LAB L LADBURY LAB L MURPHY LAB B BARR L/D L HOYLE CON

LICENSING 11:3:1 (15) B MAHER LAB CHAIR P NELSON LAB DEPUTY CHAIR K BENNETT LAB J DAVIDSON LAB G FRIEND LAB J JOYCE LAB T McCARTHY LAB J RICHARDS LAB T WILLIAMS LAB W HUGHES LAB J GUTHRIE LAB K GLEAVE L/D G WELBORN L/D E FINNEGAN L/D S BLAND CONS

TAXI SUB-COMMITTEE 2:1:0 (3 from 15)

LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE 2:1:0 (3 from 15)

PAVEMENT CAFÉ LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE 2:1:0 (3 from 15) Membership to include the Chair or Deputy Chair of the Licensing Committee.

NB Membership for the Sub-Committees to be drawn from the parent committee on an ad hoc basis and with regard to the political balance wherever practicable 9

TRAFFIC 5:1:1 (7) B BRINKSMAN LAB CHAIR S ROBERTS LAB DEPUTY CHAIR T McCARTHY LAB S PARISH LAB B LINES ROWLANDS LAB B AXCELL L/D L HOYLE CONS

CHIEF OFFICER EMPLOYMENT 3:1:1 (5) T O’NEILL LAB CHAIR M HANNON LAB DEPUTY CHAIR H PATEL LAB I MARKS L/D P KENNEDY CON

MAYORAL SELECTION 2:1:1 (4) T O’NEILL LAB CHAIR M HANNON LAB DEPUTY CHAIR I MARKS L/D P KENNEDY CON

AUDIT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 8:2:1 (11) C FITZSIMMONS LAB CHAIR P BRETHERTON LAB DEPUTY CHAIR J JOYCE LAB S PARISH LAB F RASHID LAB K SIMCOCK LAB T WILLIAMS LAB W HUGHES LAB B AXCELL L/D I MARKS L/D P KENNEDY CONS

CONSTITUTIONAL SUB-COMMITTEE 3:1:1 (5) C FITZSIMMONS LAB CHAIR P BRETHERTON LAB DEPUTY CHAIR J JOYCE LAB B AXCELL L/D P KENNEDY CONS

STANDARDS COMMITTEE 3:1:1 (5) C FITZSIMMONS LAB B MAHER LAB T McCARTHY LAB J WALKER L/D S BLAND CONS

Chairperson to be agreed by the Standards Committee on an interim basis subject to the implementation of the appropriate Regulations.

Opposition Spokespersons

• External relationships & People I Marks – Leader L/D • Regeneration & IT B Barr – Deputy L/D • Environment & Climate Change & B Axcell Transport • Public Protection M Biggin • Finance & Efficiency P Walker • Neighbourhoods & Communities T Finnegan • Leisure and Skills M Biggin • Education & Young People P Walker • Health W Johnson • Adult and Children’s Social Care G Welborn

Conservative Group Shadow Spokespersons

Name Role P Kennedy Leader of the Group L Hoyle Deputy Leader of the Group

(Please note individual committee members will act as spokespersons for the group).

C 16 Appointments to Outside Bodies

The Council received a report that sought to appoint to the Schedule of Outside Bodies as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

It was proposed by Councillor T O’Neill and seconded by Councillor M Hannon and was Resolved:

That Council approves the following schedule of elected member representation on outside bodies:

Organisation 2012/13 Member WBC Officer Contact Boteler Educational Trust Councillor P Carey Not applicable. Councillor H Mundry Cheshire Fire Authority Councillor J Joyce Katherine Fairclough Andrew Leadbetter Councillor J Kerr-Brown Assistant Chief Head of Legal and Democratic Councillor H Mundry Executive Services/Monitoring Officer Councillor P Carey Quattro Cheshire Fire and Rescue Councillor M Biggin Warrington WA1 2NH Service Fire Brigade HQ Note: proportionality Winsford CW7 2FQ 4:1.

Cheshire Fire Authority - Councillor K Simcock Katherine Fairclough Phoenix Boxing Club Board Assistant Chief Andrew Leadbetter Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Quattro Services/Monitoring Officer Warrington WA1 2NH Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Brigade HQ Winsford CW7 2FQ Cheshire Police Authority Councillor B Maher Katherine Fairclough Mark Sellwood, Chief Executive Councillor D Price Assistant Chief Cheshire Police Authority Executive Quattro Clemonds Hey Warrington WA1 2NH Oakmere Winsford CW7 2UA

Cheshire Police and Crime Councillor B Maher Tim Date Panel - New Councillor D Price Solicitor to the Council Tim Date and Assistant Director, Solicitor to the Council and Corporate Governance Assistant Director, Corporate Assistant Chief Governance Executive’s Assistant Chief Executive’s Quattro Quattro Warrington WA1 2NH Warrington WA1 2NH Greater Manchester Councillor L Dirir David Boyer Integrated Transport (Observer only Assistant Director, Authority (GMITA) position) Transportation, Paul Haris Engineering and c/o GMIST Operations Town Hall Environment and Manchester, M60 2LA Regeneration New Town House Warrington WA1 2NH

Local Admissions Forum Councillor C Froggatt Ann McCormack Kath O’Dwyer Councillor P Bretherton Assistant Director, Executive Director, Children Commissioning and and Young People’s Services Resources, New Town House Children and Young Warrington, WA1 2NH People’s Services New Town House Warrington WA1 2NH

Manchester Airport Councillor S Parish To be advised Consultative Committee (MACC) Mike Flynn Secretary-Manchester Airport Consultative Committee 34 Regents Way Higher Bebington Wirral CH63 5NW Email: [email protected] North West Regional Leaders Leader Diana Terris Board Chief Executive Carole Hudson CBE Town Hall Chief Executive Warrington WA1 1UH St Helens MBC Town Hall St Helens

SACRE (Standing Advisory Councillor S P Wright Pinaki Ghoshal Council for Religious Councillor C Jordan Assistant Director, Education) Councillor S E Woodyatt Universal Services Kath O’Dwyer Vacancy Children and Young Executive Director, Children People’s Services and Young People’s Services New Town House New Town House Warrington WA1 2NH Warrington, WA1 2NH Schools Forum Councillor P Bretherton Ann McCormack Kath O’Dwyer (Chair, O&S Committee) Assistant Director, Executive Director, Children Commissioning and and Young People’s Services Resources New Town House Children and Young Warrington, WA1 2NH People’s Services New Town House Warrington WA1 2NH Warrington 2000+ Councillor T O’Neill Andy Farrall Colin Daniels Councillor M Hannon Executive Director, International Business Centre Environment and Delta Crescent Regeneration Westbrook Warrington WA5 New Town House 7WQ Warrington WA1 2NH Email: [email protected]

Warrington & Co. Councillor T O’Neill Peter Taylor Colin Daniels Councillor D Keane Assistant Director, Company Secretary Development and Warrington & Co Public Protection, (Regeneration) Ltd Environment and International Business Centre Regeneration Delta Crescent New Town House Westbrook Warrington WA1 2NH Warrington, WA5 7WQ

Warrington Public Rights of Councillor L S Dirir John Thorp Way Forum Councillor G Welborn Public Rights of Way John Thorp Officer, Public Rights of Way Officer Environment and Environment and Regeneration Regeneration Directorate New Town House New Town House Warrington WA1 2NH Warrington WA1 2NH

C 17 Dates of Meetings

It was proposed by Councillor T O’Neill and seconded by Councillor M Hannon and was Resolved:

That (1) the following programme of Council meetings be approved:

Council Meetings

25 June 2012 3 September 2012* (date maybe subject to change) 29 October 2012 10 December 2012 4 March 2013 25 March 2013

(2) all other meetings as agreed in the diary.

Leader’s Announcements - Cllr Terry O’Neill

June 2012

Royal Visit and Opening of Orford Jubilee Park – 17th May

I was proud and delighted to welcome Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh to Warrington on 17th May, when they visited the town as part of the regional Diamond Jubilee visits. Thousands of well-wishers lined Jubilee Way and the route right around Orford Park to get a glimpse of the Royal party as they travelled through the park, taking in sites from old-time dancing to football, skateboarding to aerial manoeuvres by the military. It was a real honour to accompany Her Majesty through the new £30m hub building and to showcase the best of Warrington's cultural, creative, sporting and community talents. She also performed the official opening of Orford Jubilee Park by unveiling a specially commissioned sculpture, so that we will have a lasting memento of her visit. As any of you who saw Her Majesty on that day or in the coverage afterwards could see, she enjoyed her time in Warrington and we have received a lot of positive feedback and thanks from Buckingham Palace and the Lord Lieutenancy for Cheshire. I'd like to add my thanks to all the teams who played such a vital part in making the whole event run so smoothly - it was a tremendous Warrington effort and one which did much to raise our profile on the national stage.

Olympic Torch Relay – 31st May

Also boosting Warrington's national, and this time international, profile was the Olympic Torch relay which came to town on 31st May. Again, the weather tried to conspire against us but did nothing to dampen the spirits of the estimated 42,000 people who came out right across the town to witness the Olympic flame passing through the borough. It was a really momentous occasion, with the culmination of the Comenius Regio European arts and cultural exchange in a colourful dance performance at Orford Park and local choirs, singers and dancers entertaining the crowds of young people.

Thirteen different torchbearers carried the flame across town, including one of our school teachers, Helen Lea; transplant games champion Steve Deakin from Great Sankey; Jason El-Kelah from Thelwall; and 12 year old Emily Woodward from Gorse Covert. Having passed by hundreds of school children competing in a mini Olympics in Bank Park and woven its way through town centre crowds, when the Torch was finally brought into Orford Park by Emily, I was again proud to join with the Mayor to welcome the Torch to our own Olympic legacy site.

This time, the BBC gave Warrington a prime spot in its coverage of the event. I would like to recognise the contributions of the events task group led by Cllr Russ Bowden and so many individuals and teams from across the Council and the two new trusts, who had worked so hard to plan this event over the last 18 months. It was a great day where Warrington really did itself proud.

Diamond Jubilee Events

And the fun didn't stop there. Over the Diamond Jubilee weekend, 81 street parties went ahead in Warrington, again battling against rain and wind. These events were supported by funding from the Duke of Westminster's Community Foundation and saw neighbours come out into their streets, cul-de-sacs and community spaces to put on events ranging from donkey rides to 1950s themed dances, fancy dress and karaoke barbecues. Then on 9th June, the town centre took its turn at

getting into the Jubilee spirit, with a Spitfire aeroplane assuming pride of place in the town centre which was decked out in red, white and blue bunting. More people turned out in their thousands to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.

Orford Festival and The Moment When

And finally, marking a trio of events at Orford Park that could have been spoiled by the wet weather, I was pleased to join the Orford Festival at its climax on the evening of 16th June for the cultural performance of The Moment When. This was a project funded by the previous Labour Government as part of the Cultural Olympiad. The Moment When was a spectacular firework, music and dance performance and followed on from a successful community event during the day and featuring local bands in the early evening. I would have to agree with the Deputy Leader when he said that it was The Moment When we all got wet but had a wonderful time.

Local Sustainable Transport Fund – ‘Sustainable Travel Triangle’

The Local Sustainable Transport Fund is a new £560m funding pot administered by the Department of Transport (DfT) and local authorities were invited to bid for a share of the fund. Warrington's bid - the Sustainable Travel Triangle - was submitted in February 2012 and the DfT announced the results of the bidding process on 24th May. We are delighted to have been awarded £4.65m for our integrated package of sustainable transport improvements and behaviour change programmes.

The proposals will support low-carbon economic growth and the package includes: • A new high quality bus service running from the town centre and linking the main employment, residential, and retail destinations in an east-west corridor (see below)

• a bus marketing and promotional package • high quality “super-stop” infrastructure at key locations along the route • East-West “Green Route” to deliver a cycling corridor from Lingley Mere to Birchwood • Speed reduction measures to remove barriers to walking and cycling to complement and accelerate the borough’s 20mph in residential areas programme. • Cycle hire scheme at key rail stations in the town centre and Birchwood • Travel Planning Package (TPP) offered to key employers who provide match-funding • Action fund to help employers develop sustainable travel options within their sites – e.g. showers or cycle parking • Adult cycle training at workplaces

• Personalised Travel Planning (PTP) to provide residents with enhanced information on travel options to help connect them to job opportunities • Highway improvements at the junction of Sankey Way and Cromwell Avenue and Sankey Green Island to improve junction operation and provide bus priority for both existing bus services and the new East-West bus service.

The bid was developed in close working with partners from both the public and private sectors with the Council benefitting from significant support and advice from Network Warrington, Job Centre Plus, major employers in North Warrington, Warrington Collegiate and the University of Chester.

This support was vital in demonstrating to the Government that this was a bid which business supported and would help to deliver sustainable economic growth in Warrington. The commitment of financial support from organisations like United Utilities, MEPC Birchwood Park and the University of Chester was tangible evidence of this support. Similarly, the significant contribution pledged by Network Warrington (£450,000 towards the cost of 6 new buses) showed confidence from the local transport operator.

The Council has also made a strong commitment to the project by identifying (over the next 3 years) £875,000 of Integrated Transport Block funding from the Local Transport Plan (LTP) capital allocation as match funding. This equates to around 17% of the overall estimated allocation for Integrated Transport over the next 3 years.

Work is now underway to commence delivery of the measures. Milestones during 2012/13 include: • Recruitment of LSTF Programme manager and establishment of project governance • Commencement of the east/west bus service • First phase of cycle infrastructure to develop ‘East/West Green Corridor’ • Confirm scope and commence delivery of Personalised Travel planning • Start work on workplace travel planning with private sector partners, such as Lingley Mere, MEPC Birchwood Park and University of Chester.

Warrington is also a partner with Halton and St Helens in a joint Mid-Mersey LSTF bid to improve sustainable cross boundary links between the 3 authorities. A government response to this bid is still awaited.

High Speed Wireless Broadband

Despite years of lobbying to major telecommunications companies, the residents and businesses of Burtonwood and Winwick have suffered from incredibly slow internet speeds. Whilst other areas of the Borough have enjoyed higher speeds, the residents of these villages have been hampered in being unable to make use of an increasing range of online services. The Council is working collaboratively with other Local Authorities in the Cheshire sub-region to bid for European Regional Development Fund money to invest in bringing fibre-optic internet services across the Borough, however it could be 2015 by the time these services are available.

In an effort to address this problem in the interim, the Council has successfully piloted an innovative solution that provides wireless high speed internet services to residents and businesses from the roof of the Town Hall to the roof of Burtonwood Church and then out to homes and premises. Following the pilot, the wireless internet service is now being provided by a private company from their own premises rather than the Town Hall and is being quickly taken up by many residents and over 40 businesses who are thrilled to finally have access to such a service. This is enabling children to do online homework assignments, adults to work at home and businesses to provide online services. Following this success, the Council will continue to work with private companies to provide this service to other areas of the town that suffer from a poor internet service. This is a real example of the Council building stronger communities and supporting the local economy.

Dakota Park Opening

Dakota Park was officially opened on 4th June as part of the Chapelford community Jubilee celebrations. Special guests at the ceremony were the UK and US presidents of the RAF Burtonwood Heritage Association. To mark the occasion, the RAF Burtonwood Heritage Association unveiled art work which reflected the prominent aviation use of the site during the last 70 years. The Park is the latest addition to Warrington’s public open space assets and forms the centre piece of Chapelford village which has developed during the last 12 years following the sale of the site by Defense Estates. Plans are now progressing to design and install children’s play areas on site which will also be themed to reflect the history of the site.

Walton Hall Food Festival

Walton Hall staged a food festival at the Jubilee weekend, in conjunction with Onion Ring. The event was well promoted and even made the national press. More than 50 food exhibitors were present, with 10 different bands performing on each day and more than 7000 visitors attended the event, including the Mayor. The event received excellent feedback from the public, staff and organisers, raising income of more than £15,000. The next food festival event will take place on 29th and 30th September.

Portfolio Report, June 2012

Mike Hannon – Deputy Leader

Orford Jubilee Park

Since the Orford Jubilee Park neighbourhood hub opened, we have seen: • 6126 swimmers in 15 days (average of 408 per day not including lessons or classes) • Swimming pool full of local users, especially juniors taking advantage of £1 swim offer • ‘Learn to Swim’ currently has 656 participants per week, 82% capacity • 722 new memberships sold • 68 local people have so far taken up the free month membership offer • Launched new social media sites on Facebook /yourlivewire and twitter @yourlivewire – have gained more followers already than the previous sites • Designated ‘Manchester United’ Soccer School venue in conjunction with Warrington Collegiate – Denis Irwin helped launch this on 7th June • FA recognised development centre (Level 1&2 courses) • Overwhelming demand for community and corporate room hires • Library well-received and being used by wider hub users • Library had 11,683 visits in the first 3 weeks! • 107% increase on books issued (compared to this time last year). • 740% increase in number of new people joining the library (compared to this time last year)

LiveWire – Swimming Development

On the Olympic theme, three swimmers are representing Warrington at the Olympic trials at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Kathleen Dawson (14), Kathryn Parker (16) and Leah Evans (15) are all swimming from Wednesday 20th June through to Friday 22nd June. They have been swimming in the squads for between 12 -18 months and have all progressed through the Warrington Borough Council ‘Learn to Swim’ programme.

LiveWire – Great Sankey Leisure Centre

Great Sankey Leisure Centre hosted the 'Real Deal' on Saturday 16th June. David Dickenson and the entire crew were delighted with the footfall throughout the day as it exceeded normal expectations. In excess of 600 people were seen on the day with 'valuables' and the production company expressed huge thanks to the staff for helping to make the day a great success. The programme attracted people to the Centre from Warrington, St Helens, Wigan, Halton and from as far afield as Carlisle and Middlesbrough, giving the Centre an opportunity to welcome potential new customers to the site.

“It’s All Going on in Warrington”

I will be chairing our latest business breakfast will on 26th June at the Parr Hall. These events provide an opportunity for local businesses from the ‘doers group’ to highlight progress in terms of events, website, networking, marketing and promotions. It also enables us to plan the next year’s activities in the town centre, including the autumn/winter season, the commemoration events in March 2013 and the Rugby League World Cup Programme of Events.

Culture Warrington Events

Visitors to events in the town centre have continued to increase on last years figures - from January to May there have been 41,000 extra visitors to the Town Centre for cultural events and the Market Days. In addition, visitors to the museum are up by 35% compared with the same period last year

Town Centre Footfall

Town centre footfall for May is up by 40,000 on the same month last year with the events programme having a real impact this month.

Portfolio Report, June 2012

Colin Froggatt – Executive Member, Children & Young Peoples Services

Youth Cafe

Warrington's Youth Café continues to go from strength to strength, attracting at least 170 individual young people on a weekly basis and on average 100 young people each Saturday. There are now 450 young people signed up as members. Jubilee celebrations have been a key theme recently with the young people involved in building a Giant Queen, holding a Jubilee 60 Activity Challenge and enjoying a Queens Jubilee Party. The Olympics will be celebrated by young people competing with young people from across the world at each Olympic sport using the Xbox reality game. The points earned by the Youth Café will go towards a Global Great Britain score. These activities are aimed at increasing young people's participation and in creating a sense of pride in Warrington and in Great Britain as a whole.

Have Your Say – Children in Care Annual Report

The first annual report has been produced by the Children in Care Council, Have Your Say, and is available for Elected Members through Democratic Services. They have had a busy and successful year, with some notable achievements: • published regular newsletters so that children in care are kept fully abreast of their rights and the activities that they can get involved in • involved in planning and delivering 2 North West Conferences - The Independent Reviewing Officers Conference in Liverpool and the Children in care Health Conference here in Warrington • held events to ensure the 'voice' of the younger children who are in care is heard • as a result of advocating for change, no longer are children in care referred to within the Council as LAC - a term that Have Your Say did not like as it suggested that they were 'lacking' in something and so we all now use the term children in care; a minimum rate for pocket money was agreed; a list of suitable and unsuitable sanctions to be used by their carers • 10 young people took part in 'Takeover Day' one of whom was Mayor for the Day.

This coming year looks equally as busy and in September the Children in Care Council will be launching a revised pledge and invitations will be sent to all Elected Members.

Music Hub Success

Warrington and Halton Borough Councils have recently been awarded funding from Arts Council England to the tune of just over £1m to create a new music hub. During the next three years the two Councils, along with various musical organisations, will be working in harmony to plan and provide a variety of opportunities, including learning to sing and playing instruments, to all 5-19 year olds in their area.

One of the main benefits is that all the partners involved can share equipment, staff and training to create more learning opportunities at reduced costs. Both councils have an excellent track record for music education and have delivered many successful music events. Warrington is well placed to lead on the development following their ‘Outstanding’ grade for Schools’ Arts and Culture Service from the Federation of Music Services Moderation Programme last January.

The local music hub will be fully operational from September 2012.

Wolves Stars Support School Meals

Warrington Wolves are backing the new menu now being served in schools. Pupils at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary school were in for a treat when academy players Joe Philbin and Declan Patton donned white coats and hats to prepare and serve some meals to promote the new schools menu. Winger Chris Riley hosted a special assembly with the children later that day.

The Warrington school meals catering service regularly reviews the menu to keep it fresh, seasonal and to take on board feedback from children, parents and schools. Pupils can now tuck into three new additions to the menu this term which are taken from the Change4Life menu.

Artwork from Warrington Schools to go on Display in Brussels

Last summer a group of learners from William Beamont and Birchwood Community High Schools teamed up with counterparts in twin town Hilden to produce a photography exhibition entitled Identity – That’s Me (Identität – Das Bin Ich).

40 original photographic works plus statements from the young artists were displayed simultaneously at Warrington Museum and Arty Gallery and in Hilden between June and September 2011. The exhibition, which was part of the Comenius Regio Project, went back on display on Wednesday from 13th June, at the Representation Building of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the European Union.

Council Meeting – 25 June 2012

Questions from Members of the Public

Question to be Question asked by Mr J Mulhall Question 1 – From Mr J Mulhall to Cllr D Keane, Executive Board Member Environment & Public Protection

Are Councillors aware that Golden Gates Housing Trust charges its tenants when transferring properties rent for the over lapping week?

Questions from Members of the Council

Question to be Question asked by Councillor Keith Question 1 – To Councillor David Keane, Executive Board Member, Environment & Public Gleave Protection When certain planning permissions are granted, conditions such as Section 106 Agreements are attached that require a community benefit to be provided. Does the Executive Board Member agree that councillors representing the wards in which the development will take place, should be given the opportunity to provide input on the most appropriate benefits?

Councillor Ian Question 2 - To Councillor David Keane, Executive Board Member, Environment & Public Protection Marks At the last Executive Board there was a report on the provision of separate containers for food waste. This may have merit, but priority should be given to cutting down food waste, by encouraging appropriate buying and use or promoting domestic composting. Does the Executive Board member agree and what ideas does he have for doing this?

Councillor Judith Question 3 – To Councillor Terry O’Neill, Leader Walker The Leader has indicated in the past that he wishes to revert to some form of Committee system and consultation suggested that this would be welcomed by many councillors from all parties. Does he still intend to do so and, if so, what is his timescale?

Councillor Chris Question 4 – To Councillor Linda Dirir Vobe Earlier this year, residents of Croft were alarmed to learn of proposals tabled by council officers, which recommended removing access by Heavy Goods Vehicles to Stone Pit Lane. If implemented, the restriction of HGVs along this road would not only have serious implications for farms and businesses in the village, but would undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on nearby roads. In response to these proposals, residents added their names to my petition against the plans and called on the council to review the current traffic situation in Croft as a whole. The last communication I received on this indicated that the initial plans were to be squashed. Can the Executive Member now give a commitment that access to Stone Pit Lane will not be restricted and, in turn, that there is no prospect of HGVs being re-routed through the centre of the village?

Agenda Item 7.1

WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL – 25 JUNE 2012

Report of Chief Officer Employment Committee Executive Director: n/a Report Author: Timothy Date - Solicitor to the Council and Rachel Welch (Assistant Director HR Advisory and Transactional Service)

Contact Details: Email Address: Telephone: [email protected] 442150 [email protected] 443167

Ward Members: All

TITLE OF REPORT: APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

1. PURPOSE

1.1 To consider interim arrangements to discharge the statutory role consequent upon the current Chief Executive’s announced departure to become Chief Executive of Barnsley MBC.

2. CONFIDENTIAL OR EXEMPT

2.1 n/a

3. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

3.1 Under Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 it is the duty of every relevant local authority to designate one of their officers as the Head of the Paid Service. The duties of the Head of Paid Service are, amongst other things, to address and report upon:

a) the manner in which the discharge by the authority of their different functions is co-ordinated; b) the number and grades of staff required by the authority for the discharge of their functions; c) the organisation of the authority’s staff; and d) the appointment and proper management of the authority’s staff

3.2 The role of Head of Paid Service is commonly associated with the designation “Chief Executive”.

Agenda Item 7.1

3.3 Upon the current Chief Executive’s departure there is a clear obligation upon the Council to make arrangements for the discharge to the Head of Paid Service role.

3.4 Quite clearly the appointment of Head of Paid Service / Chief Executive is one of the most, if not the most, important appointment a Council is asked to consider.

3.5 Members will be aware that all local authorities are under severe and continued pressure to identify savings in all areas and consideration of costs relating to top management should clearly form part of any Councils deliberations in considering permanent arrangements for the appointment of a Chief Executive / Head of Paid Service.

3.6 Against that background it is appropriate that the Council be given the opportunity to consider all the available options in response to the current Chief Executive’s announced departure.

3.7 As an interim solution it is proposed that an Interim Chief Executive post be established for a time limited six month period commencing 25 June 2012 and terminating on 31st December 2012, or until a successor Head of Paid Service is in place, to carry out the specific following items in addition to the statutory Head of Paid Service duties. Those specific tasks may be regarded as complementary to the Head of Paid Service role.

3.8 The specific purpose of the role is:

a) Lead the design and implementation of a senior management structural review to ensure the senior leadership of the Council organisation is fit for the future; b) Deliver the leadership solution of choice for the organisation regarding the delivery of a Chief Executive function; c) Lead the management organisation of the Council for all operational matters concerning the delivery of Council services to the people of Warrington; d) Fulfil the Head of the Paid Service statutory function for the Council; and e) Ensure the effective delivery of all other statutory functions currently held by the departing Chief Executive.

3.9 It will be noted that the nature of the proposed role is such that the Council will be enabled to consider all the available options in respect of the Head of Paid Service / Chief Executive role for the challenging period ahead.

3.10 In pursuit of that objective a potential individual has been identified to discharge the role. Mr Steven Broomhead is a former Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council.

Agenda Item 7.1

4. PROCEDURAL STEPS

4.1 The route for any appointment of this nature is that the matter first be considered by the Chief Officer Employment Committee. If the Committee were minded to offer an appointment to Mr Broomhead, and Mr Broomhead accepted, the appointment would be subject to the approval of the Council meeting scheduled for 25 June 2012.

4.2 The Committee met on 24 May 2012 and agreed:

(1) That, subject to satisfactory references and further detailed discussions as detailed in the report, to offer of the post of Interim Chief Executive to Mr Steven Broomhead on the remuneration set out in the report;

(2) That the appointment be subject to the approval of the Council Meeting of 25 June 2012;

(3) That the appointment be subject to any further conditions agreed between Mr Broomhead and the Assistant Director HR Advisory and Transactional Services and the Solicitor to the Council in consultation with the Leader of the Council; and

(4) To authorise the Assistant Director HR Advisory and Transactional Services, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make a recommendation direct to the 25 June 2012 Council Meeting in relation to the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer offices.

4.3 The Council would need to consider appointment to other offices that would be vacated upon the termination of the present Chief Executive’s contract of employment, namely that of Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

5. RENUMERATION

5.1 The Chief Executive’s post is fixed at Grade 19, on a salary band of £148,988 to £154,125. It is proposed that Mr Broomhead be appointed to the top of that band but on the basis of a 4 day working week with a commensurate pro-rata deduction.

6. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 Contained within existing budgets. Please refer to paragraph 5.1 also.

7. RISK ASSESSMENT

Agenda Item 7.1

7.1 In considering such an appointment the Council should address the implications of approaching a sole candidate. A more protracted appointment process, even of an interim, would inevitably present the Council with a significant cost with no guarantee of an appropriate candidate being identified. The role is overtly one of a strictly time limited nature. An external appointment of an interim postholder enables the Council to address all the available option in as objective manner as possible.

8. CONSULTATION

8.1 Members of the Chief Officer Employment Committee – which comprises of Cllrs T O’Neill, M Hannon, Kennedy, Marks and Patel)

9. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

9.1 To allow for the appointment of Interim Chief Executive upon the announced departure of the current Chief Executive

10. RECOMMENDATION

Council agrees that:

10.1 An offer of the post of Interim Chief Executive be made to Mr Steven Broomhead on the remuneration set out in paragraph 5.1 of this report for the period 25 June 2012 to 31 December 2012.

10.2 Mr Steven Broomhead be appointed to the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer offices of Warrington Borough Council during the period of his appointment.

11. BACKGROUND PAPERS

Chief Officer Employment Committee – 24 May 2012

Contacts for Background Papers:

Name E-mail Telephone Sharon Parker [email protected] 01925 442161

14. Clearance Details Name Consulted Date Yes No Approved Relevant Executive Board Member  SMB  Relevant Executive Director  Solicitor to the Council Timothy Date  S151 Officer 

Agenda Item 7.1

Relevant Assistant Director Rachel Welch 

Agenda Item 7.2

WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

FULL COUNCIL – 25 June 2012

Report of: Cllr John Kerr-Brown- Chair of Environment & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee Executive Director: Andy Farrall, Executive Director of Environment and Regeneration Report Author: Ben Knight, Overview and Scrutiny Officer

Contact Details: Email Address: Telephone: [email protected] 01925 442116 Ward Members: ALL

TITLE OF REPORT: QUEEN ELIZABETH II FIELDS CHALLENGE

1. PURPOSE

1.1 To report the decision of the Environment and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), following referral, that there would be no additional benefit to the Council in safeguarding the Council’s green space through the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge given the protection already afforded under the Council’s planning policies.

2. CONFIDENTIAL OR EXEMPT

2.1 The report is not considered to contain confidential or exempt information at this time.

3. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

3.1 Full Council on 12 December 2011 approved an amended motion that the consideration of the benefit to the borough of designating appropriate sites Queen Elizabeth II Fields be referred to the Environment and Housing OSC.

4 QUEEN ELIZABETH II FIELDS CHALLENGE

4.1 The Environment and Housing OSC on 6 March 2012 considered a report by John Rowson, Operations Manager and Terry Hill, Parks & Woodlands Service Manager, to determine if there are any benefits for the Council in nominating some of its green space for Queen Elizabeth Fields of Trust status to safeguard its future use.

Agenda Item 7.2

4.2 The Queen Elizabeth II Fields challenge is a Diamond Jubilee 2012 Legacy Initiative. Operated by Fields in Trust, it is a new campaign to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces in communities across the country.

4.3 The OSC found that:-

• Warrington Borough Council currently has substantial protection of its Green Space within the Unitary Development Plan. There are clear policy requirements which create a presumption against unacceptable loss of such areas. Policies provide an existing set of robust criteria, which would reflect this requirement;

• No Warrington parks were proposed for development except for Bank Park (the new Golden Gates offices);

• There does not seem to be much take up of the Fields Trust status by Local Authorities. Some other North West Councils who have put forward green space sites for consideration to the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge include Halton, Blackburn and Darwen, St Helens and Preston Councils.

• Entering into a long-term contract with the Fields In Trust could restrict the Council from future development on those sites unless the development was for the enhancement of its current use;

• Green spaces that have been designated Queen Elizabeth II Fields are able to access funding for development but not for future maintenance. Awards will be made for a minimum of £200 to a maximum of £5000. However, some Members felt that a Friends Group could access funding to that amount already, and potentially much more. 4.4 It was also felt that there may be a misunderstanding among residents about what the development proposals are in relation to Peel Hall. It was claimed that Peel Hall Park has never been in scope for development whereas Peel Hall has. Members felt that the Council should have addressed these concerns more carefully in the first place by establishing a clear definition of the area under consideration.

4.5 Some Members did feel that simply stating that protection of open spaces is included in policy is not a guarantee for its future and that, given the amount of uncertainty around potential development; this was an easy opportunity to give residents peace of mind.

4.6 The issue was put to a vote the outcome of which is recorded below:

Agenda Item 7.2

Decision

1. The Committee determined that there is no additional benefit to the Council in safe guarding the Council’s Green Space through the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge given the current protection afforded to Green Space under the Council’s Planning Policies.

2. That the Committee recommendation is reported back to the next Council meeting.

5. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

5.1 There are no extra financial implications to the Council. The Council already has identified funding within its budget for the maintenance of Parks and Open Spaces.

6. RISK ASSESSMENT

6.1 Entering into a long-term contract with the Fields In Trust could restrict the Council from future development on those sites unless the development was for the enhancement of its current use.

7. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY / EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1 There are no specific equality and diversity impacts of submitting a nomination for an area to be a Queen Elizabeth Field – all current areas are fully accessible to all.

8. RECOMMENDATION

8.1 That the Council notes the decisions of the Environment and Housing OSC.

Name E-mail Telephone Ben Knight [email protected] (01925) 442116

9. Clearance Details Name Consulted Date Yes No Approved Relevant Executive Board Member Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair Cllr Kerr-Brown  09/05/12 SMB Relevant Executive Director Katherine Fairclough  09/05/12 Solicitor to the Council Tim Date  S151 Officer Lynton Green  09/05/12 Relevant Assistant Director Andy Farrall 

Motion 1 - Police and Crime Panels – guidelines for political proportionality

Proposed by Cllr. Ian Marks Seconded by Cllr. Keith Gleave

Council notes: 1. that in November the Cheshire Police Authority will be wound up and replaced by an elected Police & Crime Commissioner;

2. that the elected Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner will be held to account by a Cheshire Police & Crime Panel;

Motion 2

Proposed by Cllr. Chris Vobe Seconded by Cllr. Lines Rowlands

Motion 3

Proposed by Cllr. Kevin Bennett Seconded by Cllr. Jan Davidson

There are 3.5 JSA claimants per job vacancy across Warrington with 25,600 public sector jobs. Women will be disproportionally affected as 65% of public sector workers are female.

This Council requests the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Chief Secretary to the Treasury

• stating this council’s opposition to plans for regional and localised public sector pay.

• Writes to all local MPs within the next month outlining concerns about the impact that this policy would have on services and the local economy.

• Signs up to the 'Pay Fair' campaign and raise awareness of the implications and risks of this policy locally, regionally and nationally.

Agenda Item 10 WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL – 25 June 2012

Report of Solicitor to the Council and Head of Corporate Governance Executive Director: Katherine Fairclough, Assistant Chief Executive Report Author: Timothy Date - Solicitor to the Council and Head of Corporate Governance Contact Details: Email Address: Telephone: [email protected] (01925) 442150

Ward Members: All

TITLE OF REPORT: THE LOCALISM ACT 2011 – THE AMENDED STANDARDS REGIME

1. PURPOSE

1.1 The Localism Act 2011 has made changes to the system of regulation of standards of conduct for elected and co-opted Councillors.

1.2 This report seeks to update members on the receipt of the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012. These Regulations were laid before parliament on 8th June 2012 and come into force on 1st July 2012. It also addresses the consequences arising from the abolition of the Model Code of Conduct and the arrangements that need to be made to replace the Model Code on an interim basis. The report notes that there is a need for further detailed work to be undertaken in relation to standards given the emergence of Regulations and guidance from government.

2. CONFIDENTIAL OR EXEMPT

2.1 N/A

3. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

3.1 This report will deal with the three main components of the legislation:

Composition of the Standards Committee

Adoption of a revised Code of Conduct

Registration and disclosure of interests

4. COMPOSITION OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

4.1 The Act repeals Section 55 of the Local Government Act 2000 which provided for the statutory Standards Committee which has latterly been in place. There will be no statutory need for a Committee but there will still be a need for the Council to deal with standards issues and case work. Agenda Item 10

4.2.1 At its Annual Meeting the Council agreed to the establishment of and appointed councillors C Fitzsimmons, B Maher, T McCarthy, J Walker, and S Bland to the Standards Committee - 5 members on the basis of the 3:1:1 proportionality formula. The Chairperson to be agreed by the Standards Committee on an interim basis subject to the implementation of the appropriate Regulations.

4.2.2 Warrington Borough Council (WBC) will continue to have responsibility for dealing with standards complaints against elected and appointed members of Parish Councils in addition to its own members but the current parish council representatives will cease to hold office. WBC can choose whether it wishes to continue to involve Parish Council Representatives and, if so, how many Parish Council representatives it wants. Warrington Borough Council will need to give careful consideration to the options available for addressing parish related matters under the new statutory regime.

5. ADOPTION OF A REVISED CODE OF CONDUCT & REGISTRATION AND DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS.

5.1.1 The current ten General Principles and Model Code of Conduct will be repealed and members will no longer have to give an undertaking to comply with the Code of Conduct. However the Council will be required to adopt a new Code of Conduct which will need to be consistent with the following principles:

Selflessness Integrity Objectivity Accountability Openness Honesty Leadership

Appendix 1 sets out a basic Code of Conduct which achieves compliance with the seven principles and the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. The Council is able to adopt a different Code of Conduct containing a greater level of detail. However, should the Council wish to adopt a different, more detailed code it is recommended that the Standards Committee be requested to consider the matter in further detail and make a recommendation to a future Council meeting.

5.1.2 In addition the regulations referred to in paragraph 1.2 require the registration and disclosure of ‘Disclosable Pecuniary Interests’ (DPIs). The Act also requires an Authority’s Code to contain appropriate requirements for the registration and disclosure of other pecuniary interests and non pecuniary interests.

5.1.3 Although the regulations were only laid before parliament on 8th June 2012 they, nevertheless, come into force on 1st July 2012. The regulations require members to notify the monitoring officer of any ‘disclosable pecuniary interest’. That list of interests is set out in appendix 2. The list closely reflects those interests which must currently be registered and declared but nevertheless members will be required to re register their interests as a result of the new regulations.

Agenda Item 10 6. SUMMARY

6.1.1 Adoption of the recommendations in this report enables the Council to comply with the government’s requirements for Council’s to have a Code of Conduct and a revised Register of Interests in place by 1 July 2012. However there are further matters which require separate detailed consideration which the Council will need to consider further:

Those issues are:

• The arrangements for dealing with Parish matters; • The desirability of having a more detailed Code of Conduct; • The need to address the regulations on pecuniary interests when those regulations are finalised; • The arrangements for the appointment of an Independent member; • Procedures for the investigation and disposal of complaints; • Consider any the requirement for changes to the Constitution in respect of withdrawal from meetings for interests; and • Arrangements for granting dispensations.

7. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

7.1 To be met within existing budgets.

8. RISK ASSESSMENT

8.1 N/A

9. EQUALITIES ISSUES

9.1 Democratic and Member Services has an up to date Equalities Impact Assessment in place for its functions and policies and has produced an Action Plan to deal with key matters arising. There are no specific equalities issues in relation to the content if this report.

9. CONSULTATION

9.1 All Group Leaders or their representatives have been consulted.

10. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

10.1 To comply with statutory requirements and best practice.

11. RECOMMENDATION

11.1 That Council:-

(i) Notes that a Warrington’s Standards Committee has already been established on the basis of 3:1:1 proportionality at the Annual Meeting held on 21st May 2012.

(ii) Requests that at its first meeting of the Standards Committee it considers those matters detailed in 6.1.1 of the report:

Agenda Item 10 (iii) adopts the Code of Conduct attached at Appendix 1 and requests the Standards Committee to consider in further detail the merits of any alternative code.

(iv) adopts the requirements of the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interest) Regulations 2012 attached at Appendix 2.

(v) authorises the Solicitor to the Council to continue to receive complaints until the Council approves final arrangements in relation to those matters detailed in paragraph 6.1.1.

vi) requests that a further report on these matters be brought to its September 2012 meeting.

12. BACKGROUND PAPERS

Contacts for Background Papers: Bryan Magan; [email protected]; (01925) 442120

13. Clearance Details: Name Consulted Date Yes No Approved Relevant Executive Board Member SMB Relevant Executive Director Katherine Fairclough y 21/06/12 Solicitor to the Council Tim Date y 21/06/12 S151 Officer Lynton Green

Agenda Item 10 – Appendix 1

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS – DRAFT 2012

The Code has been adopted under section 27 of the Localism Act 2011 and is based on the following core principles of public life - selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. It sets out general obligations about the standards of conduct expected of members and co-opted members of the authority, together with provisions about registering and declaring interests.

A General obligations

Whenever you are acting as a member or co-opted member of this authority you must act in accordance with the following obligations:

Selflessness 1 You must act solely in the public interest and must never use or attempt to use your position improperly to confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person or act to gain financial or other material benefits for yourself, your family, friends or close associates.

Integrity 2 You must not place yourself under a financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence you in the performance of your official duties.

You should exercise independent judgement. Although you may take account of the views of others (including a political group), you should reach your own conclusions on the issues before you and act in accordance with those conclusions.

Objectivity 3 When carrying out your public duties you must make all choices, such as making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards or benefits, on merit.

You should remain objective, listen to the interests of all parties appropriately and impartially and take all relevant information, including advice from the authority’s officers, into consideration.

Accountability 4 You are accountable to the public for your decisions and you must co-operate fully with whatever scrutiny is appropriate to your office, including by local residents.

Openness 5 (a) You must be as open and transparent as possible about your decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of your authority. You should be prepared to give reasons for those decisions and actions. You must not prevent anyone getting information that they are entitled to by law.

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(b) Where the law or the wider public interest requires it, you must not disclose confidential information or information to which public access is restricted.

Honesty 6 (a) You must declare any private interests, both pecuniary and non-pecuniary, that relate to your public duties and must take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest, including registering and declaring interests as set out in Section B below.

(b) You must only use or authorise the use of the authority’s resources in accordance with the authority’s requirements. You must, when using or authorising the use by others of such resources, ensure that they are used for proper purposes only. Resources must not be used improperly for political purposes (including party political purposes) and you must have regard to any applicable Local Authority Code of Publicity made under the Local Government Act 1986

Respect for others 7 (a) You must treat others with respect. You should engage with colleagues and staff in a manner that underpins mutual respect, essential to good local government.

(b) You must not do anything which may cause your authority to breach any equality laws.

(c) You must not compromise or attempt to compromise the impartiality of anyone who works for, or on behalf of, the authority.

(d) You must not bully any person, including other councillors, officers of the authority or members of the public.

Leadership 8 You must promote and support high standards of conduct when serving as member or co-opted member of the authority, by leadership and example, championing the interests of the community.

You should uphold the law and, on all occasions, act in accordance with the trust that the public is entitled to place in you.

B Registering and declaring pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests

1 Registration and declaration of interests shall be made in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012.

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Excerpt from CLG text:

You must, within 28 days of taking office as a member or co-opted member, notify your authority’s monitoring officer of any disclosable pecuniary interest as defined by regulations made by the Secretary of State, where the pecuniary interest is yours, your spouse’s or civil partner’s, or is the pecuniary interest of somebody with whom you are living with as a husband or wife, or as if you were civil partners.

In addition, you must, within 28 days of taking office as a member or co-opted member, notify your authority’s monitoring officer of any disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest which your authority has decided should be included in the register.

If an interest has not been entered onto the authority’s register, then you must disclose the interest to any meeting of the authority at which you are present, where you have a disclosable interest in any matter being considered and where the matter is not a ‘sensitive interest’*.

Following any disclosure of an interest not on the authority’s register or the subject of pending notification, you must notify the monitoring officer of the interest within 28 days beginning with the date of disclosure.

Unless dispensation has been granted, you may not participate in any discussion of, vote on, or discharge any function related to any matter in which you have a pecuniary interest as defined by regulations made by the Secretary of State. Additionally, your must observe the restrictions your authority places on your involvement in matters where you have a pecuniary or non pecuniary interest as defined by your authority.

*A ‘sensitive interest’ is described in the Localism Act 2011 as a member or co-opted member of an authority having an interest, and the nature of the interest being such that the member or co-opted member, and the authority’s monitoring officer, consider that disclosure of the details of the interest could lead to the member or co-opted member, or a person connected with the member or co-opted member, being subject to violence or intimidation.

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WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL – 25 June 2012

Report of: Timothy Date, Solicitor to the Council and Head of Corporate Governance Report Author: Julian Joinson, Principal Democratic Services Officer Contact Details: Email Address: Telephone: [email protected] (01925) 442112

Ward Members: All Members

TITLE OF REPORT: APPOINTMENT TO INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL

1. PURPOSE

1.1 To appoint a member to the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel to fill an existing vacancy.

2. CONFIDENTIAL OR EXEMPT

2.1 This report is not considered to contain confidential or exempt information at this time. However, a personal profile of the candidate will be provided in conjunction with the this report, which contains exempt information by virtue of Category 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government At 1972. This will be provided as an addendum to the summons.

3. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

3.1 In accordance with Regulation 20 of the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, the Council is required to establish an Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) for the purpose of making recommendations about the Members’ Allowances Scheme. An Independent Remuneration Panel has been in operation in Warrington for a number of years in compliance with these and previous Regulations and its membership comprises 5 independent persons.

3.2 Members of the Panel are appointed for a four year period and the appointments are normally staggered to provide some continuity of service. The current members of the Panel are as follows:-

• Lee Birchall (expires 11/12/15); • Shirley North (expires 28/02/14); • Susan Robinson (expires 28/02/14) • Paul Taylor (expires 11/12/15).

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3.3 A vacancy has arisen on the Panel due to a Panel Member no longer being in touch with the Council because of a change of domestic circumstances. Accordingly, it is proposed to appoint a new Panel Member to fill this vacancy and to return the Panel to full membership.

3.4 The Regulations do not specify how a local authority may go about finding members of its IRP. A key consideration is that the membership of the Panel should be truly independent, well qualified to discharge the functions of the Panel and representative of the diversity of the local community. The Government Guidance suggests that authorities may advertise vacancies, or ask particular stakeholders to put forward candidates.

4. APPOINTMENT OF NEW PANEL MEMBERS

4.1 Experience has shown that recruitment by advertisement is costly and rarely results in sufficient suitable candidates coming forward. Accordingly, officers within Democratic and Member Services have invited expressions of interest from individuals and community groups who work closely with the authority, including the Neighbourhood Boards. It was felt that these groups of people would have the necessary skills and experience of the local government environment to be able to serve on the IRP, whilst maintaining the required level of independence.

4.2 One person, Suzanne Geogeghan, has responded to the invitation. An informal meeting was held between the respondent and an officer from Democratic Services in January 2012, to discuss the role of Panel members and their responsibilities. The candidate resides within the Borough and serves on the South Neighbourhood Board. She has subsequently confirmed that she wishes to seek formal appointment to the IRP and has submitted a personal profile as background. Officers are satisfied that she is a suitable person to serve on the Panel.

4.3 It is proposed to seek her formal appointment to the IRP for a period of four years. In accordance with a previous Council resolution, no member will be appointed for more than 2 consecutive terms of office. Continued officer support and a programme of training and development will be provided to ensure that any new Panellist has the necessary knowledge to undertake their role effectively.

5. SCHEME OF MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES 2012/13 and 2013/14

5.1 The Panel will keep under review the Allowances Scheme for 2012/13 and will commence work in the Autumn on its recommendations for the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2013/14. As in previous years, this process will involve considering a range of evidence, including financial information, peer group information, hours worked, consultation with the political groups and the views of individual councillors. It is proposed that the Panel will meet several times over

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the year, with a view to making formal recommendations to Council in March 2013.

6. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 The Authority may pay travelling and subsistence allowances to Panellists. The estimated cost can be contained within the overall budget for allowances. An amount equivalent to a co-optee’s allowance may also be payable, but to date the Panel has determined not to request such a payment.

7. RISK ASSESSMENT

7.1 The appointment of a suitably trained Panel is necessary to ensure that the Council is able to comply with its duty under the Regulations to have regard to IRP recommendations before making or amending an Allowances Scheme.

8. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY / EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8.1 Government Guidance indicates that the appointment process to the IRP must command public confidence and be able to attract membership which is representative of the diversity of all the communities in the local authority’s area. The appointment process undertaken complies with this advice.

8.2 The Panel, in recommending a Scheme of Allowances, should consider how it may encourage people from all walks of life to stand for public office.

9. CONSULTATION

9.1 No formal consultation has been undertaken. Appointments to the Panel are made on an individual basis and are a matter for Council alone to determine.

10. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

10.1 The proposed appointment is required to fill the vacancy on the Independent Remuneration Panel.

11. RECOMMENDATION

11.1 That Suzanne Geogeghan be appointed to the Independent Remuneration Panel for a period of four years commencing on 25 June 2012.

12. BACKGROUND PAPERS

Nil

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Contacts for Background Papers:

Name E-mail Telephone N/A N/A N/A

13. Clearance Details: Name Consulted Date Yes No Approved Relevant Executive Board Member - SMB - Relevant Executive Director Katherine Fairclough  Solicitor to the Council Timothy Date  S151 Officer Lynton Green  Relevant Assistant Director Katherine Fairclough 