West Lancashire Borough Council approved the revised Statement of Licensing Policy required by the Licensing Act 2003. The Council also approved the revised Statement of Licensing Policy required by the Gambling Act 2005. Two motions on bus fares and inheritance tax rules for farms were defeated. A motion of no confidence in the Council leader and the lead member for leisure was also defeated.

Leisure Update

The Council discussed a report providing an update on a range of leisure matters. The Council voted to approve the recommendations in the report. A motion to amend the recommendations in the report, that would have seen a Leisure Review Sub-Committee created to consider the future of Nye Bevan Pool in Skelmersdale and Park Pool in Ormskirk, was defeated.

That recommendations 2.1 and 2.2 of the report be replaced by a new 2.1 authorising the setting up of a Sub Committee of Full Council: Leisure Review Sub Committee Membership – 7 members – 4 Labour, 2 Conservative and 1 Owl Functions: (1) To consider the future of the two existing leisure facilities at Nye Bevan Pool, Skelmersdale and Park Pool, Ormskirk and the possible options for replacing these facilities by taking into account the current operating costs, the Council's current and projected financial position together with the information and options detailed in the report of FMG Consulting. (2) To report recommendations to the December meeting of the Full Council.

The approved recommendations mean that the Acting Chief Executive will explore the potential for delivering two new wellbeing and leisure facilities, and will take the steps necessary to consult on the future of Nye Bevan Pool and Park Pool leisure centres.

Savings Options and MTFS Update

The Council discussed a report proposing savings in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025/26. The report detailed savings that could be made by reducing agency staff usage, reviewing the Skelmersdale Town Centre Management Cost Budgets, and amending the HROD salary budget. The Council voted to approve all of the savings proposals in the report. A motion to amend the report, the text of which is not available, was defeated.

Financial Savings/Efficiencies - Review of Mayoral Service and Legal & Democratic Services

The Council discussed a report that sought approval for a new Mayoral Function and proposed cost savings for the Mayoral service and Legal & Democratic Services. The report proposed to remove the Mayoral car and chauffeur, make the Mayor responsible for their own travel to events, make the Mayor's Fund Raising Committee responsible for all aspects of fund raising, including the licensing of events, and limit secretarial support to the production of Christmas cards. The report also sought approval to disestablish two vacant posts and make three compulsory redundancies in the Legal & Democratic Services team. The report noted that one of the roles subject to compulsory redundancy is part time and therefore the payback period for the role would be 4.5 years, above the normal 3 year payback period.

In view of the scale of the efficiency requirements, this payback period, given that it relates to a part time role, is deemed to be acceptable and in line with the proposed savings proposals on a pro rata basis.

The Council voted to approve the recommendations in the report.

Consultation Response: Enabling Remote Attendance and Proxy Voting at Local Authority Meetings

The Council considered a report that proposed a response to the Government's consultation 'Enabling Remote Attendance and Proxy Voting at Local Authority Meetings'. The consultation sought views on introducing powers for local authority members to apply for dispensations to attend meetings remotely and vote by proxy in certain circumstances. The Council agreed to respond to the consultation saying that they agree with the principle of granting powers to allow remote attendance at meetings, that they believe that councils should be able to allow full remote attendance when it is appropriate, and that they think it would be helpful to introduce proxy voting in certain circumstances, such as for members with caring responsibilities. The full response to the consultation is available on the Council's website.

Increase to the bus fare cap

Councillor de Freitas¹, on behalf of the Conservative Group, proposed a motion that noted the Government's decision to increase the bus fare cap from £2 to £3. The motion stated that this will punish some of the most vulnerable in our community , will discourage sustainable travel and increase the number of cars on the road. The motion proposed that the Council write to the Transport Secretary to ask the Government to reconsider the decision. Councillor Gagen² proposed an amendment to the motion, that removed all criticism of the Government and instead requested clarity on the Household Support Fund[^4] . The amendment was approved and the substantive motion was defeated.

Family Farm Tax

Councillor de Freitas, on behalf of the Conservative Group, proposed a motion that noted the recent change to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief. The motion stated that this may result in family farms being sold to pay inheritance tax, will threaten food security and make British food production harder. The motion proposed that the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to ask the Government to reconsider the plans. Councillor Gagen proposed an amendment that removed all criticism of the Government and simply noted the motion. The amendment was approved and the substantive motion was defeated.

No Confidence in the Council Leader and Lead Member for Leisure

Councillor Adrian Owens³, on behalf of the Our West Lancashire Group, proposed a motion of no confidence in Councillor Yvonne Gagen and Councillor Carl Coughlan⁴. The motion stated that under their leadership the Council's priorities to foster inclusive and healthy communities and reduce health and wellbeing inequalities were not being effectively advanced. The motion listed concerns about plans to close two swimming pools, the condition of football pitches, and the lack of progress on a new linear park. The motion called on both Councillors to resign with immediate effect. Councillor Gagen proposed an amendment that removed the call for resignation and instead noted the motion. The amendment was approved and the substantive motion was defeated.