Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 27 October 2022.

The Mayor pointed out that Minute 31 should have stated that a Christmas Concert would take place on Monday 12 December at 2pm, and not as recorded.

Subject to that amendment, it was agreed unanimously by those who attended, that the minutes of the full Council meeting held on 27 October 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any declarations of interest from any Member on any item on this agenda.

Rebecca Huddleston, the prospective Chief Executive, declared a significant interest in agenda item 11 (Appointment of a Chief Executive).

To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Deputy Leader of the Council, Members of the Cabinet, a Chairman of a Committee or the Chief Executive.

The Mayor reminded members that tickets for the Christmas Concert on 12 December and the Mayoral Ball in February were still on sale.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Swales for organising a service of remembrance in Thornton for loved ones lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Henderson, on behalf of Councillor Le Marinel, informed councillors about the Older People’s Festive Fayre, which was to take place at the Vicarage Community Centre in Poulton from 1.30-4.30pm on Wednesday 7 December.

To appoint a new Leader following the resignation of Councillor David Henderson as Leader of the Council with effect from 30 November 2022, in accordance with paragraph 4.02 of Article 4 of the Constitution for the remainder of the period until the Annual Meeting after the Council elections are held in May 2023. Councillor Michael Vincent will be proposed as Leader of the Council by the Conservative Group.

Councillor David Henderson proposed and Councillor Lesley McKay seconded, that Councillor Michael Vincent be elected as Leader of the Council.

Councillor Henderson summarised some of his achievements during his five years as Leader, referring specifically to the way in which Wyre Council had been represented at the Lancashire Leaders’ and District Leaders’ meetings, the way in which the council had responded positively to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the way in which officers had always supported him for which he was grateful.  He added that Councillor Michael Vincent had been an excellent Deputy Leader, before making his proposal. 

There were no other nominations for Leader of the Council.

It was agreed, (30 votes in favour, with 5 abstentions) that Councillor Michael Vincent be appointed as Leader of the Council until the Council elections in May 2023.

Report of the prospective Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent and the Chief Executive, Garry Payne.

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of the Council, submitted a report to inform the Council of the membership of the Cabinet and the appointment of a Deputy Leader.

It was further noted that Councillor Roger Berry be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council.

Report of the prospective Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent and the Chief Executive, Garry Payne.

The prospective Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent and the Chief Executive, Garry Payne, submitted a report to enable changes to be made to the membership of committees for the remainder of the 2022/23 Municipal Year.

The recommendations were agreed unanimously.

To receive any questions or statements from members of the public under Procedure Rule 9.1.

None.

To receive any questions from Members of the Council to the Mayor, a member of the Cabinet or the Chairman of a Committee under Council Procedure Rule 12.1.

None.

To receive reports from Cabinet Members. (In accordance with Procedure Rule 11.3 Councillors will be able to ask questions or make comments).

The Leader of the Council submitted a report.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent, responded to a question from Cllr Fail regarding the Council’s priorities.

The report was noted.

The Resources Portfolio Holder submitted a report, which was presented by Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of the Council. 

The report was noted.

The Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces Portfolio Holder submitted a report.

Councillor Simon Bridge responded to a comment from Councillor May Stirzaker about the lowering of kerbs in Fleetwood to facilitate accessibility.

The report was noted.

The Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder submitted a report.

Councillor Alice Collinson commented about the success of the recent Wyre Business Awards, then responded to a question from Councillor Rob Fail regarding job creation.

The report was noted.

The Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder submitted a report.

Councillor Roger Berry responded to a question from Councillor Lady Atkins about flooding in Garstang, which he said he would refer to the next meeting of the Wyre Flood Forum.

Councillor Sir Robert Atkins posed a question about support for people during the current cost of living crisis.

Councillor Berry responded to a question from Councillor Paul Longton about the condition of housing in Wyre.  A letter had already been sent in response to one received from the Minister. Appropriate enforcement action would be taken if necessary.

Councillor Rob Fail asked about an accident involving a volunteer during a recent beach clean exercise.  Councillor Berry expressed concern for the victim of the accident before confirming that it happened on a revetment, access to the beach usually being by way of steps that were fully maintained.

The report was noted.  

The Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder submitted a report.

Councillor Lynne Bowen commented that a number of recently held events had all been very well attended.  She also congratulated the Cemeteries Team who were, this evening, attending the Finals of a national event.

Councillor Rob Fail asked a question about food hygiene ratings.  Councillor Bowen agreed to send a further letter to the Minister to support the proposal that it should be mandatory that ratings be displayed. 

The report was noted.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent, referred to comments previously made by the Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder regarding job creation, and confirmed that Hillhouse was owned by NPL and not the Council.

Councillor Vincent also supported the proposal to write again to the Minister regarding food hygiene ratings.

Report of the Leader of the Council and the Senior Officer Appointments Committee.

Rebecca Huddleston, prospective Chief Executive, left the Council Chamber for this item.

The Leader of the Council and the Senior Appointments Committee submitted a report.

Councillor Michael Vincent proposed, and Councillor Henderson seconded that Rebecca Huddleston be appointed as Wyre Council’s Chief Executive with effect from 1 April 2023. 

The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Rebecca Huddleston re-joined the meeting.

None.

None.