Month: January 2020

Wirral Council councillors agree to consult on 3 options for Local Plan (1A (urban intensification), 2A (dispersed greenbelt release) and 2B (single urban extension))

Wirral Council councillors agree to consult on 3 options for Local Plan (1A (urban intensification), 2A (dispersed greenbelt release) and 2B (single urban extension))

Wirral Council councillors agree to consult on 3 options for Local Plan (1A (urban intensification), 2A (dispersed greenbelt release) and 2B (single urban extension))

                                       

Mayor Cllr Tony Smith (13th January 2020) Wirral Council Local Plan meeting
Mayor Cllr Tony Smith (13th January 2020) Wirral Council Local Plan meeting

By John Brace – Local Government Sketch Writer

The public gallery was full – so full some of the public were sent to a different room at Wallasey Town Hall.

Even the prayers at the start were about climate change.

Five councillors because of their close associations with property developers left the room after the hastily reordered business of appointing people to make recommendations on councillors’ pay and allowances.
Continue reading “Wirral Council councillors agree to consult on 3 options for Local Plan (1A (urban intensification), 2A (dispersed greenbelt release) and 2B (single urban extension))”

Which councillor described Liverpool street traders as “they know what strings to pull”?

Which councillor described Liverpool street traders as “they know what strings to pull”?

Which councillor described Liverpool street traders as “they know what strings to pull”?

                                 

Constitutional Issues Committee (Liverpool City Council) 6th January 2020
Constitutional Issues Committee (Liverpool City Council) 6th January 2020

By John Brace – Local Government Sketch Writer

Part Two

Welcome to a Pathé broadcast from the Cunard Boardroom.

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Constitutional Issues Committee (Liverpool City Council) 6th January 2020

It is the start of the Twenties in Liverpool.

Many words were said on pay and expenses.

A request was made for fewer decisions on street traders. Joe Hanson said, “they know what strings to pull”! In future more may be agreed by staff.

Then to the thorny issues of:-

a) reform of public question time and
b) the Member/Officer Protocol.

Steve Radford was annoyed as he wasn’t invited to an event in his ward.

The mistake was blamed on a junior member of staff. The apology from Tony Reeves was described as “meaningless”.

Laura Robertson-Collins (not present) wanted changes to public question time. A report on this to the next meeting was requested.

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How would a school report on Wirral Council councillors read?

How would a school report on Wirral Council councillors read?

                                    

By John Brace – Local Government Sketch Writer

Annual rent from Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm (one pinecone from Bidston Hill)
Annual rent from Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm (one pinecone from Bidston Hill)

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WIRRAL METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
BRIGHTON STREET
SEACOMBE
CH44 8ED

NAME Councillors
CLASS Wirral

ENGLISH You have worked hard. Some very good speeches have been produced. For some your zeal has led to problems. Great progress since May has been made.

You love using words. This may be a surprise to you but things don’t always go the way that you want. You are right that the tone of debate needed to change. That is within your gift to do.
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Councillors expected to freeze Mersey Tunnel tolls in 2019 and not increase LCRCA element of council tax

Councillors expected to freeze Mersey Tunnel tolls in 2019 and not increase LCRCA element of council tax

Councillors expected to freeze Mersey Tunnel tolls in 2019 and not increase LCRCA element of council tax

                               

Councillors on the LCRCA Transport Committee setting the Mersey Tunnel tolls in 2018
Councillors on the LCRCA Transport Committee setting the Mersey Tunnel tolls in 2018

In papers to be published later today (8th January 2019), councillors on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee will be recommended to freeze tunnel tolls. The decision itself however will be made by Mayor Steve Rotheram and representatives of councils in the city region.

Although tunnel tolls are expected to stay the same for residents using a Fast Tag from the Liverpool City Region, there is expected to be a rise in the toll charged for residents from outside the region or not using the Fast Tag.

A recommendation not to increase the amount of council tax that goes to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority from local residents is also expected to be made.

However as there will be an election in May 2020 for the post of Liverpool City Region Mayor – it was expected that in an election year that neither the Mersey Tunnel tolls or council tax would rise.

The formal decisions at a public meeting by politicians on these matters will happen later this month.

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Why does reporting on a public meeting of Liverpool City Council at the Cunard Building require getting through 2 locked doors, a locked gate and a last minute room change?

Why does reporting on a public meeting of Liverpool City Council at the Cunard Building require getting through 2 locked doors, a locked gate and a last minute room change?

Why does reporting on a public meeting of Liverpool City Council at the Cunard Building require getting through 2 locked doors, a locked gate and a last minute room change?

Cunard Building ground floor protest
Cunard Building (protest on the ground floor)

By John Brace – Local Government Sketch Writer

Part One

Just like the film Ice Station Zebra, Guest Editor Leonora had her instructions to take John to a “public meeting” of Liverpool City Council’s Constitutional Issues Committee to retrieve a canister of film.
Continue reading “Why does reporting on a public meeting of Liverpool City Council at the Cunard Building require getting through 2 locked doors, a locked gate and a last minute room change?”