Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 1 December 2022 and 19 January 2023 respectively.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent, proposed and the Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder, Councillor Lynne Bowen seconded that the minutes of the meeting of full Council held on 1 December 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

It was agreed, unanimously, that the minutes of the full Council meeting held on 1 December 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Vincent, proposed and the Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder, Councillor Lynne Bowen seconded that the minutes of the meeting of Special Council meeting held on 19 January 2023 be confirmed as correct record.

It was agreed, unanimously, that the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on 19 January 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

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

Councillor George declared a non-registerable interest for item 8 of the agenda. She left the meeting during consideration of this item, taking no part in discussions.

Councillor Stirzaker declared a non-registerable interest for item 8 of the agenda. She left the meeting before the consideration of this item.

Councillor Raynor declared a non-registerable interest for item 8 of the agenda. She left the meeting before the consideration of this item.

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 councillors that tickets were still available for the Annual Mayor’s Charity Ball at Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club on Saturday 25 February from 7 pm and to contact Senior Electoral Services Officer, Debra Thornton, to book.

The Mayor announced that the Mayor Elect for 2023/24 was Councillor Phil Orme. Councillor Orme said that he was grateful for the opportunity and announced that the Deputy Mayor would be Councillor Paul Moon.

The Chief Executive clarified that item 9 of the agenda, Wyre Local Plan Partial Update, Appendix 1 – Adoption draft Wyre Local Plan (2011 – 2031) (incorporating Partial Update of 2022) was missing from the published agenda. He explained that the document was too large to upload to the system, therefore it was sent via email to councillors. He reassured members that this would not impact the councillor’s decision making on the recommendations set out in the report.

Appendix 1 – Adoption draft Wyre Local Plan (2011 – 2031) (incorporating Partial Update of 2022) can be viewed here: https://www.wyre.gov.uk/downloads/file/1595/adopted-wyre-local-plan-2011-2031-incorporating-partial-update-of-2022-

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, Councillor Michael Vincent submitted a report.

Councillor Michael Vincent, responded to a question from Councillor Stirzaker regarding vacant units at the Project Neptune Fish Park at Fleetwood dock.

The report was noted.

The Resources Portfolio Holder, Councillor David Henderson, submitted a report.

Councillor Henderson, responded to a question from Councillor Fail regarding the delayed 2023/24 financial settlement.

He also responded to a question from Councillor Beavers regarding the allocation of funds for the Household Support Funding specifically regarding the £25,000 set aside for the “Warm Spaces” initiative and the £25,000 set aside to support Domestic Violence Support. Councillor Henderson agreed to provide Councillor Beavers with a written response.

The report was noted.

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

Councillor Bridge thanked the Parks and Open Spaces team for their continuous hard work to keep Wyre’s open spaces clean.

In response to a question from Councillor Beavers regarding the possibility of the council using the Love Clean Street app as mechanism for residents to report issues such as graffiti, fly-tipping, dog fouling etc., Councillor Bridge explained that the ICT department was reviewing the feasibility of using the app.

In response to a question from Councillor Ballard regarding the issues around Lime Grove tree branches, Councillor Bridge agreed to look into the matter.

The report was noted.

The Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, Councillor Collinson, submitted a report.

Councillor Collinson responded to questions from Councillor Beavers and Fail regarding the spending of the first years funding allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The Chief Executive clarified that members would receive a programme when it was available that would include more information on the project allocations and that unspent funds were able to be rolled over.

Councillor Fail asked an additional question regarding the Authorities Monitoring Report 2021 – 2022, focusing on the disparities between Wyre's present housing types figure and the figures from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. Councillor Collinson agreed to provide Councillor Fail with a written response.

The report was noted.

The Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety Portfolio Holder, Councillor Roger Berry, submitted a report, which was presented by Councillor Michael Vincent, in the absence of Councillor Berry.

Councillor George explained that she had previously inquired about the number of homeless persons in Wyre and asked for her request to be followed up. Councillor Michael Vincent reassured Councillor George that he would provide a written response.

Councillor Michael Vincent responded to questions from Councillor Beavers about PCSO numbers and the hiring of drug detection dogs services.

Councillor Fail asked a question regarding the water quality of Wyre’s rivers as set out in the Authorities Monitoring Report. Councillor Michael Vincent agreed to pass on these comments to the relevant partners.

Councillor Lady Dulcie Atkins updated members on the flooding issues in Garstang.

Councillors George, Raynor and Stirzaker left the room at the end of this item.

The report was noted.

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

Councillor Peter Le Marinel thanked Emma Lyons and Chris Wyatt and their teams for their assistance with the Wyre’s Older Persons’ Festive Fayre. He explained the event was a success.

In response to a question from Councillor Lady D Atkins regarding the move of the Garstang tourist information point to Garstang Library, Councillor Bowen reassured members that the council was working alongside Lancashire County Council on the set up of the information point.

The report was noted.

Report of Councillor David Henderson, Resources Portfolio Holder and Clare James, Corporate Director Resources.

Councillor David Henderson, Resources Portfolio Holder and Clare James, Corporate Director Resources, submitted a report on the proposed changes to the current Localised Council Tax Support (LCTS) Scheme for the 2023/24 financial year.

It was agreed, unanimously, that the recommendations be approved.

Councillor George re-joined the meeting.

Report of Councillor Alice Collinson, Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder and Marianne Hesketh, Corporate Director Communities.

Councillor Alice Collinson, Planning Policy and Economic Development Portfolio Holder and Marianne Hesketh, Corporate Director Communities, submitted a report on the Local Plan Partial Update.

Councillors Michael Vincent and Collinson responded to questions from Councillor Fail.

Councillor Michael Vincent highlighted that report was a partial review and a review of all policies would be the role of the Local Plan Full Review which was underway. He encouraged members to engage in the process.

It was agreed (by 31 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions) that the recommendations be approved.

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

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

It was agreed, unanimously, that the recommendation be approved.

Report of Councillor Andrea Kay, Lead Member for Children and Young People.

Councillor Andrea Kay, Lead Members for Children and Young People, submitted a report, which was presented by Councillor Michael Vincent, in the absence of Councillor Kay.

Councillor Longton raised concerns regarding availability of NHS dentist in Wyre for children and young people and requested if members could be presented with the dentistry survey, which Councillor Michael Vincent supported.

Councillor Ballard updated members that the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) would be given the responsibility for commissioning dental services.

Councillor George raised concerns regarding the availability and advertisement of baby clinics in Wyre particularly in Fleetwood. Councillor Michael Vincent agreed to look into this and suggested that the Communications team could promote such clinics.

The report was noted.

Report of Councillor Paul Moon, Chairman of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Paul Moon, Chairman of the Planning Committee, submitted a report.

The report was noted.

None.

None.