The Mayor said he would tell people of some of the highlights of his Mayoral year. A few days after becoming Mayor he had been introduced to the Queen as she came off the Yellow Duckmarine in Liverpool. He said to her, “Did you enjoy your trip on the Duck?”, the Queen didn’t answer the question and it was later pointed out to him that it was a breach of etiquette to ask the Queen a question.
Another event he’d been to had been in Woodchurch when it was raining, so sheets had been used to stop them getting wet. Unfortunately one of the sheets had blown over sending water cascading down over the Mayor. The Mayor continued his speech and referred to a good relationship with other cultures, the work of the Wirral Multicultural Organisation and the monthly citizenship ceremonies.
Remembrance Sunday was the first time the Mayor had been to the “splendid” Remembrance service in Birkenhead, as in previous years he’d attended the remembrance service held in West Kirby. The Cockleshell Heroes event “turned out to be one of the highlight’s of the Mayoral year” and the “best publicity Wirral had”.
He loved going to theatres and the Mayor was Honorary President of a couple of theatre groups. The Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society were particularly pleased that he was Mayor as he was a former member.
Mayor of Wirral Cllr Gerry Ellis “It’s been an amazing, exciting, unbelievable experience”
The Annual Meeting (Part 1) is the only Council meeting to be held in the Civic Hall. As you can see from the photo hundreds of people are invited not just to the public meeting itself, but to the social event held afterwards.
The Mayor Gerry Ellis entered along a red carpet preceded by the Mace-bearer in a scene that reminded me of Black Rod at the State Opening of Parliament. Once he got to the stage he welcomed people and gave a short speech. He referred to the year he had been Mayor as an “amazing, exciting and unbelievable experience” and that if he was to write a book about it he’d call it “Ellis in Wonderland”.
He thanked various people, Cllr Jeff Green and the senior Conservative councillors for choosing him and Cllr Phil Davies for seconding the motion. The Mayor also thanked Cllr Phil Davies for his support as Leader and went on to thank various Town Hall staff. He thanked Sue Carroll, Sonia Norman and his drivers and attendants specifically referring to Alan’s wit. The Mayor also thanked Shirley Hudspeth, Surjit Tour, Tony Hope (from the press office) and all the Town Hall desk staff (Peter, Tom, Phil, Nick, Hazel, Mike and Greg) who he remarked were “always friendly and helpful”.
He also thanked Carol Jackson for helping to run the Mayor’s charity fundraising and Cllr Phil Davies’ secretary Barbara Turner. The Mayor also thanked Margaret McGee and a number of councillors including Cllr George Davies, Cllr Brian Kenny and Cllr Steve Williams. He also thanked Cllr Geoffrey Watt’s wife Ann for selling a quarter of the tickets to the Mayor’s Ball.
On the fundraising for the Mayor’s charities, they had passed £40,000, but there were still funds to come in. They had given a cheque for £10,000 to three charities, as well as cheques to thirty-five others ranging from £50 to £500. He said he was “very sorry not to help every charity” but that it “had been amazing to see the charity work that goes on, on the Wirral”.
The three charities that had received £10,000 were YMCA Wirral (for their work with the homeless), Wirral and West Cheshire Prostrate Cancer Appeal and the Wirral Scouts and Guides Association. He then went on to give a brief speech on his year as Mayor.
The meeting started with the Mayor asking the Mayor’s Chaplain to say a prayer. After the prayer the Mayor thanked his Chaplain for his work throughout the year. He directed people’s gaze towards the returning councillor David Elderton, saying that he [David Elderton] was always one for making dramatic entrances (Cllr Elderton was using a Zimmer frame to get to his seat).
Declarations of Interest
He asked for declarations of interest, nobody declared any.
Mayor’s Communications
The Mayor asked for apologies, one was given for Cllr Sylvia Hodrien, he then said that as this would be the last Council meeting he would be chairing, he invited everyone back for drinks in the Round Room, pointing out that the Mayor and Mayoress were paying for the drinks so “don’t drink too much”.
Also mentioned was a service at St. Bridget’s Church at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, all councillors had been invited but not many had replied, after the service would be a light buffet, which again the Mayor and Mayoress were paying for. He then went on to present the Andy Day Memorial Cup for a backbench councillor who had “done good things”, he said that the councillor it was going to this year had supported him in his mayoralty, whether by turning up to events or making donations. The cup was awarded to Cllr Steve Williams.
Petitions
Petitions were the next item on the agenda. Cllr Walter Smith had a 95 signature petition against antisocial behaviour in Mayer Park, Bebington. Cllr Irene Williams presented a petition of forty-four more signatures against the closure of the Eastham Centre. Cllr Tony Smith presented a petition of 250 against the “bedroom tax”, Cllr Leech also presented a petition of 273 signatures against the “bedroom tax”. Cllr Sullivan presented a petition of 130 signatures asking for improvements to road surfaces and markings. Cllr Williamson presented a petition of 577 signatures against the “bedroom tax”.
Cllr Phil Davies said that he was pleased to see the return of Cllr Elderton, who had been seriously ill, and that it was “great to see him here this evening”. He paid tribute to the Mayor and Mayoress, saying what a fantastic job they had both done, how it was a pleasure to accompany them at several engagements and how the Mayor and Mayoress had had a fantastic reception from the people of Wirral. He was impressed with the Mayor’s “warmth, spirit, generosity and kindness that you’ve shown to residents from all parts of this Borough”, said that the Mayor had a passion for Wirral and paid tribute for the work he’d done for the Mayor’s charities. Cllr Davie described the Mayor’s sense of humour and jokes as “unique” and that “most were quite funny”. He said that the Mayor and Mayoress do a wonderful job on behalf of the Borough and wanted to thank both of them.
There was applause, when the applause ended Cllr Green said he wanted to associate himself with the kind remarks of the Leader of the Council, he thought that the Mayor and Maggie had done “an absolutely fantastic job” and he’d been fortunate to attend many events. He said, “It is uncanny how you can break through and speak to everybody”. Cllr Green said that the Mayor was impressed by all the charity work and voluntary work that goes on on the Wirral and how much they welcome the support of the Mayor. He wanted to pay tribute to his “selfless service” and what he’d given up to maintain the position of Mayor and that the service the Mayor had shown was an example to them all. This was followed by more applause.
Cllr Tom Harney wanted to echo the comments of his colleagues and that the one bit of their constitution the public understand is the Mayoralty and that the impact he makes on communities is enormous and valued by the people. He’d been to a number of events and that the Mayor had approached people with good humour, with a combination of dignity and formality. Cllr Harney said that it showed the Council’s visible support to communities in the Borough. He thanked him for the good-humoured way that he had conducted Council meetings. This was followed by more applause.
The Mayor said it was “very, very kind”. Cllr Elderton thanked Cllr Phil Davies for his very kind remarks and said that Barbara and himself had been overwhelmed by the support from officers and people they don’t know in detail very well. It had been appreciated and had gone a long way to helping him to get better. He thanked people for their support and said it was really appreciated. This was also followed by applause.
The Mayor said they were delighted to see him back, he thanked people for their kind words and described the Mayoress as “absolutely fantastic and supportive”.
Q1. Councillor Geoffrey Watt is from what council?
A1. Councillor Geoffrey Watt is from the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral.
Q2. Who is the Colas representative on Wirral Council?
A2. There isn’t a Colas Limited representative on Wirral Council as Colas Limited and Wirral Council are separate organisations.
However, Steve Grimes is the Contracts Manager for Colas Ltd.
On Wirral Council, there are a number of people with responsibility for the Colas contract, some of whom are listed below.
Brian Smith, Highway Management/(0151) 606 2426/briansmith@wirral.gov.uk .
Cabinet Member (Streetscene and Transport) Cllr. Harry Smith.
Cabinet Member (Corporate Resources) Cllr. Adrian Jones
The Deputy Director of Technical Services is Mark Smith and there are others apart from the four people named above with varying responsibilities.
Q3. Merseyside Pension Fund job evaluation?
Merseyside Pension Fund is administered by the Administering Authority. The Administering Authority is the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral.
The current round of job evaluations (Stages 3 & 4) was agreed at the Cabinet meeting of 13/10/2011. This also involves a new pay and grading structure for all posts above spinal column point 34.
Stage One (up to SCP 34) and Stage Two (Schools) are not covered by this answer.
This is because Stage 2 does not apply to the Merseyside Pension Fund AFAIK, Stage 1 is already complete (except for appeals) at the time of asking the question.
Stage Three covers SCP 35 to 70 (£29,174 to £61,000) and Band H employees. This is contracted to the HAY Group with support from the Council’s in-house team.
Stage Four (Heads of Service and above) of the Job Evaluations is now contracted by the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral to the HAY Group. The Hay Group is supported by the Job Evaluation Team.
For further information contact either Wirral Council: Chris Hyams, Head of HR and OD, Department of Law HR and Asset Management Telephone: (0151 691 8590) Email: chrishyams@wirral.gov.uk or the HAY Group.
Disclosure of interest: The author of this piece has a close family member who is now in receipt of a Merseyside Pension Fund pension.
Q4. What party is the current Mayor of Wirral Cllr. Gerry Ellis from?
A4. Cllr Gerry Ellis is from the Conservative Party.
The Mayor asked people to please sit down. She welcomed people to Wallasey Town Hall and pointed out that it is a formal meeting with an agenda. She asked the councillors for any declarations of interest. None was made.
2. Mayor’s Communications 01:30
She asked for any apologies for absence. A number of apologies for absence were made.
She then made a speech thanking people and talking about her year as Mayor and other matters. 01:30 to 08:50
Wirral’s Young Poet Laureate then read a poem entitled “I am the Wirral”.
*note video of poem not available due to copyright not obtained on performance*
08:58 to 10:48
There was applause for her poem.
3. Election of Mayor 2012/13 11:00
The Mayor asked for nominations for Mayor. 11:00 to 11:15
Cllr Jeff Green nominated Cllr Gerry Ellis. 11:15 to 15:11.
There was applause. The Mayor asked for it to be seconded.
Cllr Phil Davies seconded the nomination. 15:27 to 17:00.
There was applause. The Mayor invited Cllr Harney to speak.
Cllr Harney spoke. 17:12 to 18:06.
There was more applause.
The Mayor thanked Cllr Harney and asked for any other nominations. 18:14 to 18:18
None was made.
The Mayor declared Cllr Gerry Ellis the Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. 18:20 to 18:30.
There was applause.
The Mayor and others left the room. 18:55
The Mayor’s return was announced. 28:38
The Mayor returned. 28:38.
I couldn’t see much as to what happened next as I had to sit down due to the standing making my broken arm bones worse.
Bill Norman invited Gerry Ellis to make his declaration of acceptance of office. 32:35 to 32:40
Cllr Gerry Ellis read out the declaration. 32:40 to 33:10
He invited the Mayor’s Chaplain to speak.
The Mayor’s Chaplain read a prayer. 33:40 to 36:24
The Mayor asked people to sit down.
The Mayor addressed people present with a witty speech. He was provided with an extra microphone during it. 36:21 to 57:01
There was applause. 57:01 to 57:20
4. Deputy Mayor 2012/13
Bill Norman announced item 4. 57:20 to 57:26
The Mayor asked for nominations. 57:26 to 57:31
Cllr Tom Harney asked if he could nominate Cllr Dave Mitchell. 57:34 to 57:44
The Mayor asked for it to be seconded.
Cllr Pat Williams seconded the nomination. 57:46 to 57:49
The Mayor declared Cllr Dave Mitchell as Deputy Mayor.
There was applause. End of tape 1.
Cllr Dave Mitchell was presented with the chain of office. 00:00 to 00:16
Bill Norman invited Cllr Dave Mitchell to make his declaration of acceptance of office. 00:17 to 00:22
Cllr Dave Mitchell made his declaration of acceptance of office. 00:24 to 00:46
Cllr Mountney said he welcomed the report and the financial information included. The Chair said he wanted to add something to the work program. Cllr Wittingham referred to 4.4.1, 4.4.4 in reference to a 21% decrease in contracts made. The Chair said he wanted to carry on with the point about why the next two pages had come here. David Ball said the previous performance report format had covered what was relevant to the committee what worked well, performance indicators and actions which gave an opportunity for scrutiny and comment. The second half was lifted from a report of Jim Wilkie to the Cabinet. He thought the corporate information might be of interest, but was not directly relevant to the report. The reports had been merged together. In reference to Cllr Wittingham’s question he would have to go away, ask and circulate an answer to the committee as he didn’t deal with those areas.
The Chair said he would be more comfortable if they only received information relevant to the scrutiny area and were just asked to cover the remit of the committee and not ground other committees cover.
Cllr George Davies said the second part followed on from a two-part report on finance and the economy. He understand that the financial part had been added but he didn’t see the relevance to the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
The Chair said he would move that in future only performance indicators relevant to the committee would be used. Cllr Ellis said it was helpful background information to see and note.
Cllr Mark Johnston (Chair)
Cllr Simon Mountney
Deputy Mayor Cllr Gerry Ellis
Cllr Tony Cox
Cllr Denise Realey
Cllr Pat Hackett
Cllr Stuart Wittingham
Cllr Steve Niblock
The Chair, Cllr Johnston started the meeting by telling everyone that Cllr Kelly had to go home as his daughter had banged her head. He asked for declarations of interest. Cllr Hackett declared a personal interest with regards to Reach Out. The minutes of the meeting held on the 5th September 2011 were agreed. Cllr Johnston said he wanted to raise a couple of things from page six, which would lead to the work program being amended.
Cllr George Davies (Cabinet member for Housing and Community Safety) arrived.
Cllr Johnston referred committee members to an email from Cllr Phil Davies and Cllr George Davies which he gave councillors a couple of minutes to read.
Once they had read the email, the Chair invited Paula Basnett, Head of Investment in the Department of Regeneration, Housing and Planning to give a presentation to the committee.
Earlier problems with the computer in Committee Room 1 meant a laptop had to be used instead for the Powerpoint presentation. Black and white paper copies of the presentation were handed out to councillors on the committee.
Paula Basnett, wearing something that reminded me of dazzle camouflage on ships, explained what the business support team does and that since September with more funding they had given extra business support they hadn’t previously. At the end of October Business Link North West had gone along with all its business advisers. Business support was given through five relationship managers. These managers had a target of contacting five businesses a week to make businesses aware of what support was available.
A member of the public asked when the road works were starting. Peter Cummings of United Utilities responded by saying on the 17th October.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Gerry Ellis said the United Utilities road works had been delayed due to the disruption to rail services between West Kirby and Birkenhead North this week. He moved on to Dave Green, who he described as a “very busy man”. Deputy Mayor Cllr Ellis said he knew there were some questions [for Dave Green].
David Green said that the [West Wirral] Area Forum was “my favourite Area Forum” as it is the “best attended and lively”. Starting with PACSPE, he said it was long and complicated as politics had been injected into the parks. The important thing which he was happy to talk about at the end, was on the 22nd September a public report had gone to Cabinet. This report was on the council’s website and had started with a 2008 review of the £11 million of services provided in this area. There had been engagement, but [Wirral Council] didn’t know what was being delivered for the money. In 2008 the work for the review covered cemeteries, golf courses, infrastructure and buildings. There had been enthusiasm injected over the past year. In total the £11 million of services had been reduced by £4 million. In July 2010 the contract had been exposed to the markets with no in-house bid. The cost effectiveness had been reviewed and in July 2011 the scope had been agreed which covered £8.1 million out of the original £11 million. The crematorium and golf courses had been excluded.
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