Decisions

A report on Eden Project North.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order was introduced to reserve sections of the highway solely for the use of Electric vehicles to wait whilst utilising the charge point facilities that had been provided as part of the council's electric charging infrastructure roll out.

The purpose of the experimental order was to ensure that the bays were available for use by drivers to charge their vehicles and to ensure once the charging is complete the bays were vacated to allow others to use the same facilities. The order was introduced as an experimental provision as these were the first electric charging parking places and it was important to ensure that the bays were of the correct length and the time limits were sufficient to meet driver's needs. Along with the provision of electric vehicle charging bays it has been necessary to make alterations and clarifications to adjacent parking restrictions, including simplifying and tidying up a number of discrepancies that have been identified.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

Following investigations and a public consultation, it is proposed to make a Speed Limit Order (SLO) to reduce speed limits on North Road, Marl Cop and Cocker Bar Road, Bretherton along with the introduction of 30mph limit on Horrobin Lane, Rivington in order to improve road safety and to allow for effective enforcement by Lancashire Constabulary. One objection has been received with regard to the proposed changes of the speed limit on Cocker Bar Road.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

The proposal is to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order that removes a number of redundant regulations that are either duplicated on the system, redundant due to a change in the road layout, or are no longer necessary.  The Traffic Regulation Order will include some work where regulations will be revised to address anomalies and some proposals for new regulations.  The items to be revoked are in Electoral Divisions Preston Central West and Ribble Valley East. The new proposals along with orders that will be revoked and reintroduced are in Burnley Central East, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors and Poulton le Fylde.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

Following investigations and formal public consultation it is proposed to make a Traffic Regulation Order to address anomalies in parking restrictions and to clarify, simplify and tidy up a number of discrepancies that have been identified in the Fylde, Ribble Valley and West Lancashire districts. In addition, new restrictions are proposed in the districts of Chorley, Fylde, Preston, Rossendale and Wyre. These restrictions will improve safety on the highway for all users and also provide some amenity parking.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report requests approval of the proposed apportionment of the additional £5 million of capital funding approved by Full Council on 13 February 2020 for highway maintenance.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

Public authorities have specific duties under the Equality Act to help them comply with the public sector equality duty, including a requirement to prepare and publish equality objectives at least every four years.

The county council's corporate strategy; 'Our Vision for Lancashire', provides an opportunity to rethink and reframe the Council's Equality Objectives so that they are clearly aligned to the priorities set out in the corporate strategy. Proposed objectives are set out in the following report.

The Leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member Community and Cultural Services approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

On 16 January 2020, Cabinet agreed to the publication of a public notice to begin a representation period on the proposal to close Hendon Brook Short Stay School, Nelson, which would take effect from 31 August 2020. The formal consultation (or representation) period took place from 31 January to 28 February 2020.

As part of the process, a decision should now be taken about the proposal by Lancashire County Council. This decision should be taken within two months of the representation period ending.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C21 have been complied with.

This decision is urgent and cannot await the next meeting of Cabinet. The reason for this is that all formal meetings of the council, including Cabinet, have been cancelled for the foreseeable future and this decision has been deemed to be business critical by the relevant Executive Director. This decision is therefore being taken on behalf of Cabinet by the Leader of the Council  and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order C16(1).

The Leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

On 16 January 2020, Cabinet agreed to a statutory notice being published to begin a representation period on the proposed closure of Thomas Whitham Sixth Form. A statutory proposal document was published in relation to the proposed closure of the school, with effect from 31 August 2020. The representation period took place from 29 January to 3 March 2020. 

As part of the statutory process, a decision must now be taken about the proposal and this will be done by Lancashire County Council, as the decision maker. If the authority does not make a decision within two months from the end of the representation period, the proposal and any representations about the proposal must be passed to the schools adjudicator for a decision.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C21 have been complied with.

This decision is urgent and cannot await the next meeting of Cabinet. The reason for this is that all formal meetings of the council, including Cabinet, have been cancelled for the foreseeable future and this decision has been deemed to be business critical by the relevant Executive Director. This decision is therefore being taken on behalf of Cabinet by the Leader of the Council  and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order C16(1).

The Leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

Between 3 February and 16 March 2020, the county council consulted on a proposal to discontinue the local authority's maintenance of Wennington Hall School, Lancaster. Under the statutory process, the authority is now required to consider the responses to the stage 1 consultation and decide whether to publish a Statutory Notice on the proposal.

The purpose of this report is to provide the information necessary for that decision to be considered.

This decision is urgent and cannot await the next meeting of Cabinet. The reason for this is that all formal meetings of the council, including Cabinet, have been cancelled for the foreseeable future and this decision has been deemed to be business critical by the relevant Executive Director. This decision is therefore being taken on behalf of Cabinet by the Leader of the Council  and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order C16(1).

The Leader of the County Council and the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

Condition led programme for schools. This report sets out the proposals for the allocation of schools capital funding to address a further phase of high priority building condition repairs on Community, Voluntary Controlled and Maintained Schools in Lancashire.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report outlines proposals to remove footway and provide a cycle track with right of way on foot along three lengths of A6 Bolton Road, Chorley. Proposals for a Toucan crossing required in conjunction with the cycle tracks are also described.

Consultation and formal advertising of the proposals has been undertaken with a number of objections received.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

The approval of additional county council funding and associated agreements for the completion of the M55 Heyhouses Link Road. Compliance with Standing Orders C19 and C20 was impractical due to the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership deadline of 20 March 2020 to have a fully funded scheme.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

Following investigations and formal public consultation it is proposed to make a Traffic Regulation Order to address anomalies in parking restrictions and to clarify, simplify and tidy up a number of discrepancies that have been identified in the Preston and Wyre districts. In addition, new restrictions are proposed in the districts of Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Pendle, Preston, Rossendale, South Ribble and Wyre. These restrictions will improve safety on the highway for all users and also provide some amenity parking.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

In 2009, Lancashire County Council introduced Individual Service Funds whereby someone's personal budget is managed by a service provider on behalf of the individual. The aim of an Individual Service Fund is to enable the personal budget to be used flexibly to meet someone's changing care needs in line with what is agreed in the support plan.

The current Individual Service Fund offer and the policy, guidance and supporting procedures are out of date. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new policy and procedures to replace current Individual Service Fund arrangements, where appropriate.

Through a series of engagement events with service providers and families, we have developed a draft Individual Service Fund policy. We are now in a position to take forward formal consultation to seek feedback on the policy and inform procedures going forward.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

A report on Public Health and Health Care Services.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report provides an update to Cabinet regarding the review of Lancashire's Short Break offer, following the Cabinet decision on 8 August 2019.

The report sets out a number of recommendations in relation to the delivery of a redesigned Short Break Offer, that will enable the county council to fulfil its statutory responsibilities in relation to the sufficiency of provision of short breaks for children and young people with disabilities, and their parents and carers. 

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report recommends approval of the proposed apportionment of Department for Transport capital grant funding for highway maintenance and  transport in 2020/21 and of a number of detailed programmes of work relating to this funding as set out at Appendices 'D' to 'L'.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

A report on the Lancashire Urban Development Fund.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

The council is currently reliant on landfill for the disposal of a significant quantity of the residual waste collected from households in Lancashire. Our existing landfill contract ends in 2025.

The Waste service is seeking approval to procure a 15 year contract for the thermal treatment of Lancashire's residual waste from 2025, providing a better environmental solution for the county and potentially reducing costs. The contract would commence in April 2025 and may result in the private sector development of new waste treatment infrastructure within or outside of Lancashire, the utilisation of existing infrastructure nationally, or both.

The estimated value of the contract is in the region of £40m per annum.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order No. C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

In May 2015, the government announced changes to the delivery of adoption services which required that, by April 2020, all adoption services would need to be delivered on a regional basis through Regional Adoption Agencies. The aim of this delivery model is to increase the number of children adopted, reduce the length of time children wait to be adopted and to improve post adoption support services to families who have adopted.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

In line with the county council's procurement rules Cabinet is asked to approve the commencement of the following procurement exercises:

(i)   Supply of grocery and frozen products to county council establishments
(ii)  Purchase of vehicles and vehicle body building
(iii)   Independent special schools

(iv)   M55 Earthworks

(v)  M55 Heyhouses Link Road scheme delivery

(vi)  Conversion of a footway to a combined foot/cycleway on Carrwood Road

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved a proposal to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the consideration of agenda item 15.

Resolved: - That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as indicated against the heading to the item.

County Councillor Frank De Molfetta moved the report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority from its meeting on 16 December 2019.

Resolved: - That the report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, now presented, be noted.

1.  It was moved by County Councillor Andrea Kay and seconded by County Councillor David Foxcroft that:

Young people are facing varying challenges growing up in the UK in the 21st century. Social media, peer pressure and growing awareness of mental health challenges can cause many young people in our county additional stress and anxiety and it is not always clear to them which way to turn for help.

A recent initiative in the Wyre area enabled young people to access information about support networks and organisations in a way that was private and personal. Following the success of this initiative, Council requests the Executive Director of Education and Children's Services to work with secondary schools and further education colleges across the county to implement this scheme and support our young people to access the help they need, when they need it.

The following friendly amendment was proposed by County Councillor Sobia Malik in accordance with Standing Order B42:

Young people are facing varying challenges growing up in the UK in the 21st century. Social media, peer pressure and growing awareness of mental health challenges can cause many young people in our county additional stress and anxiety and it is not always clear to them which way to turn for help.

A recent initiative in the Wyre area enabled young people to access information about support networks and organisations in a way that was private and personal. Following the success of this initiative, Council requests the Executive Director of Education and Children's Services to work with secondary schools and further education colleges across the county to implement this scheme and support our young people. As an authority we recognise the excellent practice with safeguarding in schools and colleges.  Access to mental health services should be integral to their ongoing safeguarding strategy.

The friendly amendment was accepted by County Councillor Kay and became the substantive motion.

The substantive motion, as amended by County Councillor Malik's friendly amendment, was then put to the vote and was CARRIED. It was therefore:

Resolved: - That:

Young people are facing varying challenges growing up in the UK in the 21st century. Social media, peer pressure and growing awareness of mental health challenges can cause many young people in our county additional stress and anxiety and it is not always clear to them which way to turn for help.

A recent initiative in the Wyre area enabled young people to access information about support networks and organisations in a way that was private and personal. Following the success of this initiative, Council requests the Executive Director of Education and Children's Services to work with secondary schools and further education colleges across the county to implement this scheme and support our young people. As an authority we recognise the excellent practice with safeguarding in schools and colleges.  Access to mental health services should be integral to their ongoing safeguarding strategy.

There was no urgent business to be considered.

County Councillor David O'Toole moved the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees from their meetings as follows:

Children's Services Scrutiny Committee - 9 October 2019 and 15 January 2020

Education Scrutiny Committee - 29 October 2019, 30 January 2020 and 5 February 2020

External Scrutiny Committee - 15 October 2019 and 21 January 2020

Health Scrutiny Committee - 5 November 2019 and 4 February 2020

Internal Scrutiny Committee - 17 January 2020

Resolved: - That the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved a report setting out a proposal to change the financial threshold above which decisions should be treated as Key Decisions as defined in Standing Order C19(1).

Resolved: - That the financial threshold for Key Decisions, for the purposes of Standing Order C19(1), be increased to £1.7m, for 2020/21 as set out in the report, now presented.

County Councillor Eddie Pope moved the report of the Pension Fund Committee from its meeting on 7 February 2020.

Resolved: - That the report of the Pension Fund Committee, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved the report of the Employment Committee from its meetings on 13 January 2020 and 10 February 2020.

Resolved: - That the report of the Employment Committee, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Shaun Turner moved the report of the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board from its meetings on 19 November 2019 and 28 January 2020.

Resolved: - That the report of the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Alan Schofield moved the report of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee from its meetings on 28 October 2019 and 27 January 2020.

Resolved: - That the report of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved the report of the Urgency Committee setting out details of decisions taken by the Monitoring Officer under the county council's urgent business procedure on behalf of the Urgency Committee.

Resolved: - That the report of the Urgency Committee, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved the report of the Cabinet from its meetings on 7 November 2019, 5 December 2019, 16 January 2020 and 6 February 2020, together with details of an urgent Key Decision taken since the last meeting of Full Council.

Resolved: - That the report of the Cabinet, now presented, be noted.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved a report setting out details of proposed updates to the county council's constitution.

The following amendment was proposed by County Councillor David Howarth, seconded by County Councillor David Whipp:

To amend Article 8 Citizens Rights, under point 5 after "find out what key decisions are to be decided and when by the Cabinet, Committees, Cabinet Members or officers", add the following:

"and the right to be represented by their local county councillor at any decision making meetings to speak on their behalf".

On being put to the vote the Amendment was LOST.

The substantive motion was then put to the vote and was CARRIED. It was therefore:

Resolved: - That:

(i)  The amendments to the constitution, as set out in the report, now presented, be approved.

(ii)  The Director of Corporate Services be authorised to approve consequential amendments to the constitution arising from these changes.

Resolved: - That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2019, the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 13 February 2020, and the meeting held on 13 February 2020, be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

County Councillor Geoff Driver moved a report setting out details of the 2020/21 Pay Policy Statement.

Resolved: - That the recommendations of the Employment Committee be noted and the Pay Policy Statement 2020/21, as set out at Appendix 'A' to the report, now presented, be approved.

County Councillor Keith Iddon moved a report setting out details of the proposed Members' Allowance Scheme for 2020/21.

The following amendment was proposed by County Councillor David Whipp, seconded by County Councillor David Howarth:

That the Special Responsibility Allowance for the Leader of the County Council be reduced by 10% and all other Special Responsibility Allowances be reduced pro-rata.

On being put to the vote, the amendment was LOST.

The substantive motion was then put to the vote and was CARRIED. It was therefore:

Resolved: - That the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2020/21, as set out in Appendix 'A' to the report, now presented, be approved.