Agenda and minutes

          Members stood for a minute’s silence in remembrance of former Councillor David Boardman who had recently passed away.

          The minutes of the meetings of Council held on 22 August 2018 and 5 September 2018, were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

          The Leader made the following announcements:-

·       The Council continued to deal with budget reductions which may have an impact on the provision of some services in 2019/20;

·       The response from the Boundary Commission on the Council’s submission on the Ward Boundary Review proposals had been delayed, and was now expected around 4 December 2018; and

·       Victoria Park in Widnes had been announced by Green Flag Award as one of the winners of the 2018 People’s Choice vote, beating hundreds of others to be in the top five in the UK, making it one of the nation’s favourite parks.

(N.B. Councillors Mark Dennett and Louise Whitley declared a Disclosable Other Interest in Minute EXB29, as they were Governors of Halton Lodge Primary School; Councillor Ron Hignett declared a Disclosable Other Interest in Minute EXB 26 as he was a member of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Joint Venture Board)

          The Council considered the minutes of the Executive Board meetings on 19 July 2018 and 20 September 2018.

          RESOLVED: That the minutes be received.

The Council considered the minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 4 July 2018.

          RESOLVED: That the minutes be received.

          It was noted that no questions had been submitted under Standing Order No. 8.

(N.B. Councillor Ron Hignett declared a Disclosable Other Interest in the following item as far as it related to Sci-Tech Daresbury, as he was a member of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Joint Venture Board)

Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That Council approve the revised Capital Programme, as set out in the report.

          The Council considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance, on the 2018/19 Revised Capital Programme.

          RESOLVED: That Council approve the revisions to the Council’s Capital Programme, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That Council approve the increase in Capital Funding allocation to ensure the scheme progresses.

          The Council considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the Widnes Loops to West Bank Link Road.

          RESOLVED: That Council approve the increase in Capital Funding allocation to ensure the scheme progresses.

Regulatory Committee considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That Council

1)    adopts the Statement of Gambling Policy attached to the report to come into effect immediately following the expiry of the current Policy; and

2)    directs that the Operational Director , Legal and Democratic Services, to publish the Statement in accordance with section 349 Gambling Act 2005 and the Gambling Act 2005 (Licensing Authority Policy Statement) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006.

          The Council considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the adoption of the Statement of Gambling Policy.

          The report had been considered by the Regulatory Committee at its meeting on 3 October 2018, following a period of consultation.

          RESOLVED: That Council

1)    adopts the Statement of Gambling Policy attached to the report, to come into effect immediately following expiry of the current Policy; and

2)    directs that the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services, publishes the Statement in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 and the Gambling Act 2005 (Licensing Authority Policy Statement) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006.

          The Council considered the reports of the following Boards in the period since the meeting of Council on 11 July 2018:-

·       Children, Young People and Families;

·       Employment, Learning and Skills and Community;

·       Health;

·       Safer;

·       Environment and Urban Renewal;

·       Corporate Services; and

·       Business Efficiency.

In moving the minutes of the Children, Young People and Families Policy and Performance Board, Councillor Dennett highlighted the very successful Ofsted Inspection, and congratulated all staff that had been involved.

          The Council considered the reports of the following Committees in the period since the meeting of Council on 11 July 2018:-

·       Development Control; and

·       Regulatory.