Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were presented on behalf of County Councillors Albert Atkinson, Andrea Kay, Jim Lawrenson, Dorothy Lord, Sandra Perkins and Viv Taylor.

 

 

Deaths

 

The Chairman reported the following sad deaths:

 

·  Former County Councillor and Honorary Alderman Mrs Irene Short died on 18 August 2014.

·  Former County Councillor Alfred Jealous died on 15 September 2014.

 

Tributes were paid in their memory on behalf of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups who also offered condolences to friends and family.

 

The council stood in silent tribute.

 

 

Special Meeting of the County Council

 

The Chairman reported that he had agreed to call a special meeting of the full council on the morning of Thursday 18 December so that council may consider conferring the title of honorary alderman on former long serving members of the council.

 

 

None disclosed.

 

Resolved:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on the 17 July 2014 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

 

The Full Council was asked to approve the reappointment of Mr Denis Mendoros OBE DL as a member of the Independent Remuneration Panel for a further four years until 5 October 2018

 

Resolved: That the reappointment of Mr Denis Mendoros OBE DL as a member of the Independent Remuneration Panel for a further four years until 5 October 2018, be approved.

 

The Full Council was asked to approve the timetable of Full Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings for 2015/16 as set out at Appendix A to the report now presented.

 

Resolved:  That the timetable of Full Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings for 2015/16 as set out at Appendix A to the report now presented, be approved.

 

The Leader of the Council moved Part B of the report of the Cabinet from its meetings on the 15 July and 11 September 2014.

 

Resolved: That the report of the Cabinet from its meetings on the 15 July and 11 September 2014, be noted.

 

The Deputy Leader presented a report on the progress of the Member Officer Working Group on Political Governance.

 

Resolved: That the report of the Member Officer Working Group on Political Governance, as now presented, be noted.

 

County Councillor Bill Winlow presented the reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees from their meetings as follows:

 

Committee	Date of Meeting
Scrutiny Committee	11 July 2014
Health Scrutiny Committee	22 July 2014 2 September 2014
Education Scrutiny Committee	15 July 2014

 

Resolved: That the reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees,

as now presented, be received.

 

County Councillor Terry Burns presented the report of the Pension Fund Committee from its meeting on the 5 September 2014.

 

Resolved: That the report of the Pension Fund Committee, as now presented, be received.

 

County Councillor Frank De Molfetta presented the report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority from its meeting on the 8 September 2014.

 

Resolved: That the report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, as now presented, be received.

 

The Chairman reported, in accordance with Procedural Standing Order 14.3.2, that a proposed Notice of Motion submitted by County Councillor Gina Dowding had been ruled ‘out of order’.

 

The Motion related to the conflict in Israel and procurement from illegal Israeli settlements.   It had been ruled out of order on the basis that Motions must be about matters for which the Council has a responsibility or which directly affect the Council's area. Much of the motion fell outside this requirement. The part of the Motion that did not fall outside this requirement contained a proposal that, if adopted, would lead to a breach of procurement law.

 

The Chairman then reported that two of the Motions submitted for consideration related to the same subject, namely, child sexual exploitation, and it was his intention that they be dealt with consecutively.

 

The following Notices of Motion had been submitted under Procedural Standing Order 14.2.1(a).

 

1.  It was moved by County Councillor Fabian Craig-Wilson and seconded by County Councillor Tony Martin that:

 

At the meeting of the Council on 12 December 2013, Council affirmed its "commitment to work with other public and private sector partners to enable the additional funding and facilities required to be identified to make a Dementia centre of excellence happen in North Lancashire in the near future."

 

It is disappointing that no proposals have yet been brought forward and Council therefore resolves to request officers to submit a report to the Council meeting on 18th December 2014 setting out proposals for a Centre of Excellence for Dementia Care in North Lancashire.

 

On being put to the vote the Motion was carried and it was:

 

Resolved: That,

 

At the meeting of the Council on 12 December 2013, Council affirmed its "commitment to work with other public and private sector partners to enable the additional funding and facilities required to be identified to make a Dementia centre of excellence happen in North Lancashire in the near future."

 

It is disappointing that no proposals have yet been brought forward and Council therefore resolves to request officers to submit a report to the Council meeting on 18th December 2014 setting out proposals for a Centre of Excellence for Dementia Care in North Lancashire.

 

 

2.  It was moved by County Councillor Julie Gibson and seconded by County Councillor Janice Hanson that:

 

Council notes the recent work that has been carried out in Skelmersdale by the Trading Standards Team involving the seizing of faulty electronic cigarette chargers and unmarked liquid nicotine.

 

Council notes that the removal of such harmful products shows the commitment to the safety and well-being of residents within the Skelmersdale area and the whole of Lancashire.

 

Council resolves to:

 

i)  Continue to work with all partners to highlight the danger of purchasing dangerous goods, in order to promote community safety and protect the well-being of all residents across the County.

ii)  Support the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) who are currently considering Product Licences for e-cigarettes/liquids.

iii)  Call on the Government to implement, as soon as practically possible, the provisions, under the Children and Families Act 2014, which include a prohibition on the supply of nicotine products to under 18s.

 

On being put to the vote the Motion was carried and it was:

 

Resolved: That,

 

Council notes the recent work that has been carried out in Skelmersdale by the Trading Standards Team involving the seizing of faulty electronic cigarette chargers and unmarked liquid nicotine.

 

Council notes that the removal of such harmful products shows the commitment to the safety and well-being of residents within the Skelmersdale area and the whole of Lancashire.

 

Council resolves to:

 

i)  Continue to work with all partners to highlight the danger of purchasing dangerous goods, in order to promote community safety and protect the well-being of all residents across the County.

ii)  Support the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) who are currently considering Product Licences for e-cigarettes/liquids.

iii)  Call on the Government to implement, as soon as practically possible, the provisions, under the Children and Families Act 2014, which include a prohibition on the supply of nicotine products to under 18s.

 

 

3.  It was moved by County Councillor Geoff Driver and seconded by County Councillor Michael Green that:

 

The findings in the reports of Mr Peter Clarke and Mr Ian Kershaw into the so-called 'Trojan Horse' in schools in Birmingham should be of concern to everyone. Council wishes to be assured that this problem does not exist in Lancashire and therefore resolves to request Officers to submit a report to the Council meeting on 18 December 2014 setting out the measures in place to prevent it.

 

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, circulated a position statement in response to the Motion.

 

Following a period of debate the Motion was put to the vote. Six County Councillors requested a recorded vote in accordance with procedural Standing Order 15.2 (9.4).

 

The names of county councillors who voted for or against the Motion and those who abstained are set out below:

 

For (31)

 

T Ashton	M Devaney	P Rigby	B Yates
M Barron	G Driver	A Schofield
P Britcliffe	G Gooch	K Sedgewick
K Brown	M Green	J Shedwick
I Brown	K Iddon	D Smith
P Buckley	A James	D Stansfield
S Charles	T Jones	C Wakeford
A Cheetham	D O'Toole	D Westley
A Clempson	M Otter	P White
F Craig-Wilson	M Perks	G Wilkins

 

 

Against (47)

 

T Aldridge	F De Molfetta	D Howarth	N Penney
A Ali	C Dereli	M Iqbal	C Pritchard
A Barnes	G Dowding	M Johnstone	S Prynn
L Beavers	K Ellard	T Martin	S Serridge
D Borrow	J Fillis	J Mein	R Shewan
M Brindle	J Gibson	G Molineux	K Snape
T Brown	J Hanson	Y Motala	J Sumner
T Burns	M Hassan	B Murray	M Tomlinson
D Clifford	P Hayhurst	R Newman-Thompson	D Watts
C Crompton	C Henig	E Oades	D Whipp
M Dad	N Hennessy	J Oakes	B Winlow
B Dawson	S Holgate	M Parkinson

 

 

Abstained (0)

 

 

Resolved: That the Motion be not carried

 

 

 

4.  It was moved by County Councillor Geoff Driver and seconded by County Councillor Christian Wakeford that:

 

All right-minded people will be sickened by the findings of Professor Alexis Jay in her report on the sexual exploitation of young girls in Rotherham.

 

Professor Jay's inquiries uncovered many deeply disturbing facts including a perceived reluctance on the part of the Police to act for fear of being accused of racism. It is equally disturbing to discover that Rotherham Council did not appear to do enough to protect these children from this abuse for fear of alienating Labour voters in the Pakistani-heritage Community.

 

To some extent, Council can be assured that Lancashire County Council has mechanisms and procedures in place that will enable sexual exploitation of children to be identified and properly dealt with. However, it must be recognised that mechanisms and procedures will not in themselves fully protect children in Lancashire.

 

In order to eliminate this abomination from our society, there must also be an acceptance by everyone involved in child protection that the safeguarding of children must override every other consideration.

 

Council therefore resolves:

 

- firstly, to request confirmation from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Chief Constable that they will investigate all allegations of sexual exploitation, regardless of the ethnicity of the alleged perpetrators, and

 

- secondly, to seek an assurance from this Administration that it will never allow Party Political considerations to interfere in the processes designed to protect children in Lancashire from sexual exploitation.

 

Following a period of debate the Motion was put to the vote. Six County Councillors requested a recorded vote in accordance with procedural Standing Order 15.2 (9.4).

 

The names of county councillors who voted for or against the Motion and those who abstained are set out below:

 

For (31)

 

T Ashton	M Devaney	P Rigby	B Yates
M Barron	G Driver	A Schofield
P Britcliffe	G Gooch	K Sedgewick
K Brown	M Green	J Shedwick
I Brown	K Iddon	D Smith
P Buckley	A James	D Stansfield
S Charles	T Jones	C Wakeford
A Cheetham	D O'Toole	D Westley
A Clempson	M Otter	P White
F Craig-Wilson	M Perks	G Wilkins

 

 

Against (47)

 

T Aldridge	F De Molfetta	D Howarth	N Penney
A Ali	C Dereli	M Iqbal	C Pritchard
A Barnes	G Dowding	M Johnstone	S Prynn
L Beavers	K Ellard	T Martin	S Serridge
D Borrow	J Fillis	J Mein	R Shewan
M Brindle	J Gibson	G Molineux	K Snape
T Brown	J Hanson	Y Motala	J Sumner
T Burns	M Hassan	B Murray	M Tomlinson
D Clifford	P Hayhurst	R Newman-Thompson	D Watts
C Crompton	C Henig	E Oades	D Whipp
M Dad	N Hennessy	J Oakes	B Winlow
B Dawson	S Holgate	M Parkinson

 

 

Abstained (0)

 

The Motion was therefore lost and it was,

 

Resolved: That the Motion be not carried

 

 

5.  It was moved by County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson and seconded by County Councillor Jennifer Mein that:

 

This Council notes the shocking findings of the Jay report into the sexual exploitation of young people in Rotherham.

 

Council recognises that Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking are complex and multi-faceted issues which affects all communities, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity or social background.  As such it can only be addressed by all responsible agencies coming together in a coordinated way.

 

Council acknowledges the efforts of the Police, the Health Service, the Probation Service, Schools, voluntary and faith groups and others across Lancashire who work with this Council to minimise the effects of CSE and to bring the perpetrators before the law. In particular, Council notes the ground breaking work of the Lancashire Safeguarding Children's Board and the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in bringing partners together to work in a coordinated fashion.

 

Council calls upon all agencies involved in Safeguarding and Child Protection in Lancashire to examine the findings of the Jay report in order to assure themselves that the systematic failings of agencies in places such as Rotherham, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire cannot be repeated in Lancashire.

 

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved the following Amendment which was seconded by County Councillor Tony Jones:

 

Add the following words at the end of the Motion:

 

"The County Council resolves to establish a Child Protection Scrutiny Committee, with a permanent remit to scrutinise all agencies involved in safeguarding and child protection in Lancashire."

 

Following a period of debate the Amendment was put to the vote. Six County Councillors requested a recorded vote in accordance with procedural Standing Order 15.2 (9.4).

 

The names of county councillors who voted for or against the Amendment and those who abstained are set out below:

 

For (31)

 

T Ashton	M Devaney	P Rigby	B Yates
M Barron	G Driver	A Schofield
P Britcliffe	G Gooch	K Sedgewick
K Brown	M Green	J Shedwick
I Brown	K Iddon	D Smith
P Buckley	A James	D Stansfield
S Charles	T Jones	C Wakeford
A Cheetham	D O'Toole	D Westley
A Clempson	M Otter	P White
F Craig-Wilson	M Perks	G Wilkins

 

 

Against (42)

 

T Aldridge	C Dereli	M Johnstone	S Prynn
A Ali	G Dowding	T Martin	S Serridge
A Barnes	K Ellard	J Mein	R Shewan
L Beavers	J Fillis	G Molineux	K Snape
D Borrow	J Gibson	Y Motala	M Tomlinson
T Brown	J Hanson	B Murray	D Watts
T Burns	M Hassan	R Newman-Thompson
D Clifford	P Hayhurst	E Oades
C Crompton	C Henig	J Oakes
M Dad	N Hennessy	M Parkinson
B Dawson	S Holgate	N Penney
F De Molfetta	M Iqbal	C Pritchard

 

 

Abstained (5)

M Brindle

D Howarth

J Sumner

D Whipp

B Winlow

 

The Amendment was therefore lost. The original Motion was then put to the vote and was carried at it was:

 

Resolved: That,

 

This Council notes the shocking findings of the Jay report into the sexual exploitation of young people in Rotherham.

 

Council recognises that Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking are complex and multi-faceted issues which affects all communities, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity or social background.  As such it can only be addressed by all responsible agencies coming together in a coordinated way.

 

Council acknowledges the efforts of the Police, the Health Service, the Probation Service, Schools, voluntary and faith groups and others across Lancashire who work with this Council to minimise the effects of CSE and to bring the perpetrators before the law. In particular, Council notes the ground breaking work of the Lancashire Safeguarding Children's Board and the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in bringing partners together to work in a coordinated fashion.

 

Council calls upon all agencies involved in Safeguarding and Child Protection in Lancashire to examine the findings of the Jay report in order to assure themselves that the systematic failings of agencies in places such as Rotherham, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire cannot be repeated in Lancashire.

 

 

6.  It was moved by County Councillor Bill Winlow and seconded by County Councillor David Whipp that:

Lancashire County Council:

·  notes the result of the Scottish Referendum held on September 18^th and is inspired by the strong and enthusiastic support for the democratic process shown by the people of Scotland.

 

·  welcomes the increasing public discussion on the possible devolution of powers and finance to the North of England, and its implications for the  people of Lancashire and the North West.

 

·  recognizes the need for a new constitutional settlement, and supports demands for the transfer of significant legislative, executive and financial power from London to the nations and regions of Britain.

 

·  supports the view that any extra powers given to Scotland should also be available to Wales, Northern Ireland and the English regions

 

·  believes that decisions should be taken at the lowest practical level so that the people most likely to be affected by them should have the greatest opportunity to ensure that account is taken of their views

 

·  notes that the North of England is more than just the large cities, and that the many areas not within cities and clear city regions must also gain greater powers and finance in order to build successful and prosperous futures.

 

Lancashire County Council therefore calls for the creation of a North West Constitutional Convention, representing the whole of economic and civil society as well as the region's political parties, to consider the experience of regional governance elsewhere in Europe, to reflect upon the options available for our region, and to propose arrangements for governance in the North West that, having taken account of our region's diversity, is best designed to promote its well-being and success.

 

Lancashire County Council instructs the Chief Executive to:

 

·  copy this resolution to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, all North West and  North East MPs, the DCLG, BIS, the LGA and the main political parties.

 

·  take soundings from neighbouring local authorities, political  parties and others in civil society with a view to convening an initial meeting at County Hall, Preston.

 

County Councillor David Borrow moved the following Amendment which was seconded by County Councillor Jennifer Mein:

 

After the words "having taken account of our region's diversity, is best designed to promote its well-being and success"

 

Add the words "Council recognises that there is no public support for the early creation of another tier of elected Government and notes that the public would expect devolved budgets and powers to be managed by the existing structures of Local Government. For this to happen areas such as Lancashire would need to follow the examples of Greater Manchester and Merseyside and work toward the creation a combined authority with other local authorities in the County." after "having taken account of our region's diversity, is best designed to promote its well-being and success"

 

Delete the words "North East" from the penultimate bullet point.

 

On being put to the vote the Amendment was carried and therefore became the substantive Motion which was then put to the vote and was carried, and it was:

 

Resolved:

Lancashire County Council:

·  notes the result of the Scottish Referendum held on September 18^th and is inspired by the strong and enthusiastic support for the democratic process shown by the people of Scotland.

 

·  welcomes the increasing public discussion on the possible devolution of powers and finance to the North of England, and its implications for the  people of Lancashire and the North West.

 

·  recognizes the need for a new constitutional settlement, and supports demands for the transfer of significant legislative, executive and financial power from London to the nations and regions of Britain.

 

·  supports the view that any extra powers given to Scotland should also be available to Wales, Northern Ireland and the English regions

 

·  believes that decisions should be taken at the lowest practical level so that the people most likely to be affected by them should have the greatest opportunity to ensure that account is taken of their views

 

·  notes that the North of England is more than just the large cities, and that the many areas not within cities and clear city regions must also gain greater powers and finance in order to build successful and prosperous futures.

 

Lancashire County Council therefore calls for the creation of a North West Constitutional Convention, representing the whole of economic and civil society as well as the region's political parties, to consider the experience of regional governance elsewhere in Europe, to reflect upon the options available for our region, and to propose arrangements for governance in the North West that, having taken account of our region's diversity, is best designed to promote its well-being and success.

 

Council recognises that there is no public support for the early creation of another tier of elected Government and notes that the public would expect devolved budgets and powers to be managed by the existing structures of Local Government. For this to happen areas such as Lancashire would need to follow the examples of Greater Manchester and Merseyside and work toward the creation a combined authority with other local authorities in the County.

 

Lancashire County Council instructs the Chief Executive to:

 

·  copy this resolution to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, all North West MPs, the DCLG, BIS, the LGA and the main political parties.

 

·  take soundings from neighbouring local authorities, political  parties and others in civil society with a view to convening an initial meeting at County Hall, Preston.

 

 

7.  It was moved by County Councillor David Whipp and seconded by County Councillor David Howarth:

 

That County Council notes:

1) the review currently being carried out of Neighbourhood Policing in Lancashire. 

2) the very inadequate service being provided to callers of the anti-social behaviour number 101, through lengthy waiting times for many callers; and that the inadequate service has been attributed to staff shortages following centralisation of police communications rooms at Hutton.

3) the increasing prevalence of unplanned public enquiry desk closures at police stations in parts of the county, again, attributed to staff shortages.

This county council believes that neighbourhood policing in Lancashire during the past decade has been a great success and has been a foundation stone of public confidence in the county’s police service; and that any review should seek to preserve and enhance the provision of neighbourhood policing within communities.

County Council is concerned that the inadequate response to 101 calls and the unscheduled closures of police stations through staff shortages is of great concern and is undermining confidence in the police service in Lancashire.

Accordingly, County Council resolves to request the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire to:

 

1.  ensure that the Chief Constable retains a robust and effective Neighbourhood Policing service within any new structures introduced following the review being undertaken;

2.  take urgent action to restore call answering of 101 anti-social behaviour calls to adequate levels, and;

3.  take urgent action to fill civilian staff vacancies and ensure police stations remain open.

 

County Councillor David Borrow moved the following Amendment which was seconded by County Councillor Azhar Ali

 

After "undermining confidence in the police service in Lancashire." add the words:

 

"Lancashire County Council recognises that improvements have been made to the adequacy of the Constabulary's response to 101 calls as highlighted and notes that the issues identified therein concern the management and day to day running of operations at Lancashire Constabulary and specifically to the filling of existing and currently vacant posts where these continue to exist." after "undermining confidence in the police service in Lancashire."

 

After "take urgent action to fill civilian staff vacancies and ensure police stations remain open" add the words:

 

"Lancashire County Council notes that services have been affected by recent and significant cuts to Lancashire's policing budget and calls on the Home Secretary to review the funding levels to Lancashire Constabulary that support local and neighbourhood policing in our County."  after "take urgent action to fill civilian staff vacancies and ensure police stations remain open" add:

 

County Councillor Whipp accepted the Amendment which was put to the vote and was carried and therefore became the Substantive Motion.

 

County Councillor Geoff Driver then moved the following further Amendment which was seconded by County Councillor George Wilkins

 

Remove the words "Accordingly County Council" and replace with:

 

"Council regrets the decision to remove the financial provision for 48 Police and Community Support Officers, but nonetheless"……….

 

On being put to the vote the Amendment was lost. The Substantive Motion was then put to the vote and was carried at it was:

 

Resolved:

 

That County Council notes:

1) the review currently being carried out of Neighbourhood Policing in Lancashire. 

2) the very inadequate service being provided to callers of the anti-social behaviour number 101, through lengthy waiting times for many callers; and that the inadequate service has been attributed to staff shortages following centralisation of police communications rooms at Hutton.

3) the increasing prevalence of unplanned public enquiry desk closures at police stations in parts of the county, again, attributed to staff shortages.

This county council believes that neighbourhood policing in Lancashire during the past decade has been a great success and has been a foundation stone of public confidence in the county’s police service; and that any review should seek to preserve and enhance the provision of neighbourhood policing within communities.

County Council is concerned that the inadequate response to 101 calls and the unscheduled closures of police stations through staff shortages is of great concern and is undermining confidence in the police service in Lancashire.

 

Lancashire County Council recognises that improvements have been made to the adequacy of the Constabulary's response to 101 calls as highlighted and notes that the issues identified therein concern the management and day to day running of operations at Lancashire Constabulary and specifically to the filling of existing and currently vacant posts where these continue to exist.

 

Accordingly, County Council resolves to request the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire to:

 

1.  ensure that the Chief Constable retains a robust and effective Neighbourhood Policing service within any new structures introduced following the review being undertaken;

2.  take urgent action to restore call answering of 101 anti-social behaviour calls to adequate levels, and;

3.  take urgent action to fill civilian staff vacancies and ensure police stations remain open.

 

Lancashire County Council notes that services have been affected by recent and significant cuts to Lancashire's policing budget and calls on the Home Secretary to review the funding levels to Lancashire Constabulary that support local and neighbourhood policing in our County.

 

 

8.  It was moved by County Councillor Lorraine Beavers and seconded by County Councillor Nicky Hennessy that:

 

Lancashire County Council believes that the government’s “Bedroom Tax” is an unnecessary burden on hard-working families and is having devastating consequences on those affected by its implementation in Lancashire.

 

Council supports the Affordable Homes Bill, currently passing through Parliament, and welcomes it as a first step toward the abolition of the “Bedroom Tax”. Council notes with concern, however, that all of Lancashire’s Conservative MPs voted against it during the second reading.

 

Council registers its opposition to the “Bedroom Tax” and resolves to call on the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Rt Hon Ian Duncan Smith MP, and all Lancashire MPs, to support the Affordable Homes Bill as a first step toward its complete abolition.

 

Following a period of debate the Motion was put to the vote. Six County Councillors requested a recorded vote in accordance with procedural Standing Order 15.2 (9.4).

 

The names of county councillors who voted for or against the Motion and those who abstained are set out below:

 

For (44)

 

T Aldridge	B Dawson	D Howarth	M Parkinson
A Ali	F De Molfetta	M Iqbal	N Penney
A Barnes	C Dereli	M Johnstone	C Pritchard
L Beavers	K Ellard	T Martin	S Prynn
D Borrow	J Fillis	J Mein	S Serridge
M Brindle	J Gibson	G Molineux	R Shewan
T Brown	J Hanson	Y Motala	K Snape
T Burns	M Hassan	B Murray	M Tomlinson
D Clifford	C Henig	R Newman-Thompson	D Watts
C Crompton	N Hennessy	E Oades	D Whipp
M Dad	S Holgate	J Oakes	B Winlow

 

Against (29)

 

T Ashton	G Gooch	K Sedgewick
M Barron	M Green	J Shedwick
P Britcliffe	K Iddon	D Smith
I Brown	A James	D Stansfield
P Buckley	T Jones	C Wakeford
S Charles	D O'Toole	D Westley
A Cheetham	M Otter	P White
F Craig-Wilson	M Perks	G Wilkins
M Devaney	P Rigby	B Yates
G Driver	A Schofield

 

 

Abstained (1)

 

P Hayhurst

 

 

The Motion was therefore carried and it was:

 

Resolved: That,

 

Lancashire County Council believes that the government’s “Bedroom Tax” is an unnecessary burden on hard-working families and is having devastating consequences on those affected by its implementation in Lancashire.

 

Council supports the Affordable Homes Bill, currently passing through Parliament, and welcomes it as a first step toward the abolition of the “Bedroom Tax”. Council notes with concern, however, that all of Lancashire’s Conservative MPs voted against it during the second reading.

 

Council registers its opposition to the “Bedroom Tax” and resolves to call on the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Rt Hon Ian Duncan Smith MP, and all Lancashire MPs, to support the Affordable Homes Bill as a first step toward its complete abolition.

 

 

9.   It was moved by County Councillor David Borrow and seconded by County Councillor Jennifer Mein that:

 

This council notes that Lancashire County Council will have to make estimated savings of £500 million between 2010-2017 as a result of a combination of cuts to Government grants, increased costs and growth in demand of children’s services and adult social care.

 

Council asks the Chief Executive to write to all Lancashire MPs to request that they secure a meeting with the Chancellor, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, to help lobby the Government to deliver a fairer funding deal for our county and to help us protect the services relied upon by our County’s most vulnerable residents.

 

On being put to the vote the Motion was carried and it was:

 

Resolved: That,

 

This council notes that Lancashire County Council will have to make estimated savings of £500 million between 2010-2017 as a result of a combination of cuts to Government grants, increased costs and growth in demand of children’s services and adult social care.

 

Council asks the Chief Executive to write to all Lancashire MPs to request that they secure a meeting with the Chancellor, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, to help lobby the Government to deliver a fairer funding deal for our county and to help us protect the services relied upon by our County’s most vulnerable residents.

 

 

10. It was moved by County Councillor Azhar Ali and seconded by County Councillor Lorraine Beavers that:

 

This council opposes the privatisation and dismantling of the NHS and supports the private members bill being introduced by Clive Efford MP on the 21 November in Parliament to repeal the Health and Social Care Act. Furthermore it calls on all Lancashire MPs to vote and support this bill.

 

County Councillor Bill Winlow moved the following Amendment which was seconded by County Councillor David Whipp:

 

Remove the words "and supports the private members bill being introduced by Clive Efford MP on the 21 November in Parliament to repeal the Health and Social Care Act. Furthermore it calls on all Lancashire MPs to vote and support this bill."

 

Following a period of debate the Amendment was put to the vote and was lost. The original motion was then put to the vote and was carried and it was:

 

Resolved: That,

 

This council opposes the privatisation and dismantling of the NHS and supports the private members bill being introduced by Clive Efford MP on the 21 November in Parliament to repeal the Health and Social Care Act. Furthermore it calls on all Lancashire MPs to vote and support this bill.