Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive has received the following call-in in accordance with Standing Order No. 9:

Proposed by: Councillor Hodgkinson

Seconded by: Councillor Worrall

“The Council is making a significant financial commitment to an organisation which has recently been in administration with debts to the Council.”

NB Council has a discretion to exclude the press and public but, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, it is RECOMMENDED that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, having been satisfied that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for this item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

The Mayor advised that, in the interests of the convenient dispatch of business due to the item relating to a Part II report, this matter would be moved to the end of the agenda.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy providing an update on the position of Widnes Vikings, outlining support provided by the Council in the past and more recently, and seeking authority to enter into a partnership with Widnes Vikings to secure the long-term future of the Vikings and professional rugby league in Halton.

RESOLVED: That

1)                 the position of Widnes Vikings be noted;

2)                 the Council continue to support the activities of Widnes Vikings; and

3)                 the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy be authorised to negotiate a package of support with the new “Widnes Vikings” Company as outlined in paragraphs 3.14 and 3.15 of the report.