Meeting documents

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Mr M Hawkins, Mr Wonnacott, Mr D Wilson and Mrs E Williamson.

Members are invited to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interest they have in any item on the agenda which comprises:-

1          Details of any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain.

2          Details of any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from the authority) made or provided within the relevant period in respect of any expenses incurred by you in carrying out duties as a member, or towards your election expenses.  (This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

3          Details of any contract which is made between you (or a body in which you have a beneficial interest) and the authority

(a)       Under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

            (b)       Which has not been fully discharged.

4          Details of any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the authority. 

5          Details of any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the authority for a month or longer. 

6          Details of any tenancy where (to your knowledge)

            (a)       The landlord is the authority; and

(b)       The tenant is a body in which you have a beneficial interest.

7          Details of any beneficial interest in securities of a body where

(a)       That body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the area of the authority; and

(b)       Either –

(i)      The total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

(ii)     If that share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

In addition, you must also disclose other non-pecuniary interests set out in the Code of Conduct where these have not already been registered.

Note

A "disclosable pecuniary interest" is an interest of a councillor or their partner (which means spouse or civil partner, a person with whom they are living as husband or wife, or a person with whom they are living as if they are civil partners).   

Mr G Roberts declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item No 7 – Presentation from Together We – as a member of the CNTW Health Partnership and Agenda Item No 8 –Parking Services Update - as a member of Whitehaven Town Council.

Mr C Whiteside declared a personal interest in Agenda Item No 9 – Fibre Broadband Deployment – as an Openreach employee and owning shares in the BT Group.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda

RESOLVED,that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda.

There are no public questions, statements or petitions to be considered at this meeting.

There was no public participation received for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 12 September 2022 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2022 be agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

Members received a presentation from the Director and the Project Development Officer of the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest (CCCF).  The presentation gave an overview of the CCCF as the newest of England’s Community Forests, 13 in total but 15 planned.  The project was to prioritise woodland creation in areas of low tree cover, high levels of socio-economic deprivation and significant concentrations of people.  It was noted that it was a bespoke programme to make sure benefits were delivered to communities and it was supported by England’s Community Forests & the Community Forest Trust.  The ambitions of the project were outlined, funding that was available and how landowners could apply for a grant.  "Live" proposal CCCF sites in Copeland were highlighted.

To conclude the Director and Project Development Officer requested members’ help in promoting the project.

Members sought clarity on the proposed CCCF site at the former Ehenside School, Cleator Moor as the plan was to have extra care housing on that site.  The Project Development Officer advised that the plan consisted of two parts and CCCF were focussing on the playing field area.  The officer confirmed that Local Plans were consulted before site proposal.  The officer confirmed joint working with the County Council’s Property Team on identifying suitable sites on Council land.

Members suggested further potential sites, with the Chair proposing the Old Tip at Drigg.  Opportunities to develop old mines and tips around West Cumbria, improving the environment was discussed, with caution of site contamination.  It was highlighted that tree planting could alleviate flooding.  The Local Member for Egremont North and St Bees suggested community tree planting events and partnership working with schools and parish/town councils.  The Local Member for Bransty asked that the presentation be made to Whitehaven Town Council.

The officers were thanked for their presentation.

RESOLVED, that the presentation be noted.

To receive a presentation from representatives from Together We (copy enclosed).

Members received a presentation from the Director of Together We.  The Director outlined the background and four core services:- Talk, Carry, Fitness and Recovery.  Members noted the range of interventions that combined well to provide care from "cradle to grave".  The service delivery was co designed with service users with the intention to be based on evidence and guided discovery.  The service used a targeted multi-model psychological intervention, education and physical activity to improve a person’s wellbeing with the aim of reducing the impact of mental health and physical health problems on individuals and on their wider community. 

To conclude, the Director outlined progress made over the past two years, service user stories, "lived experience", highlighted the Recovery College and the Service’s aims for the future. 

Members questioned the average age and gender split of service users.  The Director outlined work being undertaken to encourage men and the younger generation to utilise services on offer.  The complexity of alcoholism was highlighted.

The Chair and members thanked the Director for her very informative presentation.

RESOLVED,that the presentation be noted.

To consider a report by the Executive Director, Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided an update on the enforcement of on and selected off street parking in the Copeland Local Committee area together with the Parking Services Annual Report 2021/22.  The Parking Services Manager emphasised that the service’s aim was to be fiscally neutral.

The Local Member for Gosforth raised Blue Badge abuse and asked what measures were in place to combat this.  The Parking Services Manager advised that specific training was needed on this issue and permission to address Blue Badge abuse was not, at present, granted by the Directorate.  Civil blue badge abuse was reported to the Council’s separate Blue Badge Team. 

Members, in discussion, highlighted various locations where parking caused issues, specifically mentioning Egremont, Cleator Moor, outside shops and school peak times.  The difficulties in patrolling rural areas were discussed and the advancement in technology that could aid this.  The Parking Service Manager confirmed that joint working took place with the Traffic Management Team and other Authorities, such as the LDNPA and the Forestry Commission, to find solutions to resolve parking issues. 

The Local Member for Cleator Moor West highlighted the need for joint working with National Highways when work commenced on the A595 Moresby Embankment. 

The Local Member for Bransty requested a meeting with Whitehaven Town Council and officers to address issues.  The Traffic Team Leader agreed to arrange this and invite members who divisions were in the Whitehaven area.

To conclude, members requested a divisional breakdown of the Copeland figures to be circulated.  The Parking Manager was thanked for his attendance and presentation.

RESOLVED, that

(1)  the report, as an update on the performance of the on street and selected off-street parking enforcement service in the Copeland locality be noted;

(2)  the Parking Services Annual Report 2021/22 be noted;

(3)  members identify any ongoing issues with enforcement and parking management in their divisions to enable these to be considered in making improvements to the Service.

To receive a report from the Executive Director, Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report provides an overview of policy and market conditions driving current high levels of telecoms deployment activity in the county.

Members considered a report which provided an overview of policy and market conditions driving current high levels of telecoms deployment activity in the county.  The Senior Programme Manager, Digital Infrastructure reminded members that the UK Government had committed to expanding access to gigabit capable broadband to at least 85% of properties in the UK by 2025 with the aim of reaching all properties in the UK by 2033.  The 85% target by 2025 was expected to exceed in Copeland.  Gigabit capable broadband was a key component in the Connecting Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy. 

It was explained that Cumbria was the regional pilot for the delivery of the public funded deployment into areas where no commercial gigabit deployment was planned by 2025 or where no supplier had expressed an interest in developing a voucher funded project.  The Project Gigabit procurement was being run by Building Digital UK (BDUK), on behalf of UK Government and a contract was expected to be formally awarded before the end of November 2022.  In Copeland it was anticipated that over 27,000 properties would be targeted via commercial deployment activity and over 7,000 properties would be targeted through the public funded contract.  To date less than 1,000 properties were already gigabit capable.

Since 2018, a large number of new companies had entered the broadband market developing their own full fibre broadband networks in competition with incumbents and each other. Members heard that there were nine such deployments currently in Cumbria with both Fibrus and Openreach having declared plans in Copeland.  The County Council team were actively engaging with broadband suppliers in an effort to understand their plans, encourage investment into Cumbria and create forums to resolve issues as they arose.  The officer informed the Committee of the significant increase in highways works by companies seeking to install new full fibre broadband networks over the past 12 months and the anticipation that the levels of the works would continue to increase.

The Local Member for Cleator Moor East and Frizington asked whether it was possible for shared use of Home Office phone masts for commercial use and highlighted difficult areas such as Croasdale.  The officer confirmed that masts would be shared by all four Mobile Network Operators if a lattice tower construction was approved by planning authorities rather than smaller monopole masts and that these would be made available commercially if the transmission (backhaul) solution was fibre.  Where satellite or microwave was proposed by the Home Office as the backhaul solution the Digital Borderlands programme would look to upgrade this to fibre subject to Subsidy Control and business case approval.  The Chair questioned the impact on the network of Sky using Wi-Fi instead of dishes.  The officer confirmed that Wi-Fi would increase pressure on the existing broadband network but highlighted that developing full fibre broadband would futureproof the network and optimise the use of Wi-Fi for many applications including internet television.

The officer was thanked for his attendance and report.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.

To consider a report by the Executive Director, Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report sets out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Copeland Traffic Regulation Order.

Members received a report that set out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Order referred to at paragraph 3.1 of the report.   It was noted that all of the proposals were summarised in the statutory notice which was attached to the report as Appendix 1.  The plans attached as Appendices 2 to 36 to the report showed the details of the proposed restrictions, although proposals 16 to 19 inclusive and 21 and 33 were abandoned prior to statutory consultation.  The Councils’ statement of reasons for proposing to make the Order was attached as Appendix 38.  A summary of the representations received during the statutory consultation and advertisement, together with officer comments, was attached as Appendix 37.

It was agreed at the meeting that Proposal 23 – Introduction of ‘No waiting at any time’ parking restrictions at Bridge End Industrial Estate, Egremont be introduced in part only.  The officer agreed to email the revised proposal to members for sign off.

Members requested parking discs be made available for residents in specific areas and the officer agreed to this.  The implementation date for the proposals was discussed.  It was acknowledged that the Whitehaven TRO Review and Speed Limit Review would not formally be in place before LGR vesting day but officers would continue, in the meantime, to do the background work on these.

RESOLVED,that having taken into consideration the matters contained in section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which were more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of the report, it be agreed that "The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Borough of Copeland) (Consolidation and Provision of Traffic Regulations) Order 20><" ("the Order") be brought into operation as advertised, save for;

i)             Proposal 5 – Wellington Street, Millom, which sought to replace existing ‘Keep Clear’ markings with a Loading/Unloading area, which was not to be introduced; and

ii)            The following proposals which are to be introduced in part only:

a) Proposal 7 – Holborn Hill, Millom – namely to the extent shown on the plan attached as Appendix 9;

b) Proposal 20 – Ramsey Drive, Parton– namely to the extent shown on the plan attached as Appendix 18;

c) Proposal 34 – High Lowca– namely to the extent shown on the plan attached as Appendix 32;

d) Proposal 23 – Introduction of ‘No waiting at any time’ parking restrictions at Bridge End Industrial Estate, Egremont be introduced in part only, to allow for an additional unrestricted length on the north-west side of Bridge End Industrial Estate;

iii)           Proposal 28 – Gosforth Road, Seascale, which sought to introduce 2 hour disc parking, was to be introduced less onerous than advertised, namely 3 hour disc parking, – namely to the extent shown on the plan attached as Appendix 26.

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report informs Copeland Local Committee of the comments and feedback received regarding The County of Cumbria (St Patrick’s Primary School, Cleator Moor) (Pedestrian and Cycle Zone) Experimental Order 2021 (the ETRO") since it came into operation on 1 November 2021.

The Traffic Management Team Leader presented a report which informed members of the comments and feedback received regarding The County of Cumbria (St Patrick’s Primary School, Cleator Moor) (Pedestrian and Cycle Zone) Experimental Order 2021 (the ETRO") since it came into operation on 1 November 2021.  A copy of the Notice, which summarised the restrictions introduced by the ETRO, was attached as Appendix 1, a copy of the ETRO was attached as Appendix 2 and a copy of the Council’s Statement of reasons for making the ETRO was attached as Appendix 3.

It was noted that a report was considered by the Copeland Highways Working Group on 11 October 2022, who recommended that the ETRO be made

permanent. 

The Local Member for Cleator Moor West spoke in support of the scheme and said that liaison with Cumbria Police on enforcement was imperative.  Further sites that might benefit a scheme were discussed.

RESOLVED,that having taken into consideration the matters contained in section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which were more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of this report, it be agreed that "The County of Cumbria (St Patrick’s Primary School, Cleator Moor) (Pedestrian and Cycle Zone) Experimental Order 2021" be made permanent in its entirety.

[Electoral Divisions: All Copeland]

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

The purpose of this report is to bring Members up to date with the activity across Copeland and any recent developments. 

Members received a report that provided an update on the activity undertaken by the Community Development Team since the last meeting of the Committee. 

The Area Manager reported on the Borderlands Place Programme in Egremont and the completion of the building works at Millom Hub.  Members were informed that Thwaites School - Hallthwaites, Millom were planning to resurrect a number of charities that benefit ex-pupils and their constitutions allow for the Council as the Local Education Authority, to appoint trustees. The appointments would support the work required to realise this.  A governor of Thwaites School had submitted nominations for the trustee appointments and these were listed in the report.

The Library and Customer Manager (Copeland) gave a Library service update which included the reopening of Millom Library and outreach and officer projects.  A celebratory launch event had been planned for the reopening of Millom Library on 3 December and members were encouraged to attend.  Autism friendly features in the library were highlighted.  Following a question from the Chair, the Library and Customer Manager (Copeland) reported that some library services, such as Borrowbox, were likely to be hosted by one of the new Authorities, following vesting day. 

The Public Health Locality Manager advised on pop up Covid booster clinics that had been arranged and encouraged vaccine take up.  Members noted work that was being undertaken in Adult Learning.

The Chair requested more wider promotion of the Let’s Talk Bereavement group.  The officers agreed to look at this without overwhelming the service.

To conclude, the Area Manager informed members of Copeland wide issues which included a change in the age range at St Bees School, the funding allocated to Copeland from the Cost of Living Reserve and the Whitehaven Cycling and Walking Programme.  The Team’s work on Homes for Ukraines and Asylum seekers was noted.

RESOLVED, that

(1)  the report be noted;

(2)  the nominations for trustees to the trusts set out below be agreed

Thwaites Parochial School Trust - David Savage, Angela Nugent, Ann McIlwraith

Buckman Brow Trust - David Savage, Angela Nugent

William Atkinson Trust - David Savage, Angela Nugent

To consider a report of the Assistant Director – Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

The report presents grant applications in excess of £5,000 for consideration and approval from the 2022-23 budget. Note that grant applications under £5,000 are also included for information and where funding has previously been awarded to the applying organisation which would take the full amount applied for over £5,000.

Members received a report that presented grant applications in excess of £5,000 for consideration and approval from the 2022-23 budget and were also asked to note grant applications under £5,000 where funding had previously been awarded to the applying organisation which took the full amount applied for over £5,000.  The report also presented any proposals from the Environment Fund, regardless of the amount and contained the current budget position as of 30 September 2022 at Appendix 1.

Members noted that the Environment Fund allocated for 2021-22 was fully utilised and all projects supported by Copeland Local Committee had been delivered resulting in an overspend of £78,792 which was deducted from the 2022-23 Environment Fund budget whilst awaiting reimbursement of funds. The sums of £33,000 and £16,990 relating to Middlecut had now been received back into the 2022-2023 Environment Fund budget.  A project at the Council’s Hensingham Day Centre and Grassroots Garden Centre for pathway and access had been developed and informally agreed with Members and now required formal ratification.

The grant amendments, outlined in the report, were noted

Following a discussion on the grant of £9,000 to Anti-Racist Cumbria from 0-19 Universal Services and some members’ wish for the majority of the £15,000 contribution to this made by the Education department to be used in the Copeland area, it was

RESOLVED, that

(1)  the report be noted;

(2)  £14,287.00 (£4,500 from Cost of Living Community Support and £9,787 from General Provision) be awarded to Age UK West Cumbria to deliver the Catch 22 Project which would provide information, support and equipment to help older residents across Copeland keep well and warm this winter;

(3)  a grant of £9,000 to Anti-Racist Cumbria from 0-19 Universal Services who, as part of a pilot project, wish to engage an Education Officer to provide support in nine Copeland Schools be agreed. This would facilitate the delivery of action plans for each school in their journey to achieve an anti-racist County. The Education and Skills department had agreed to contribute £15,000 towards this project;

(4)  up to £25,000 to the Council’s Hensingham Day Centre and Grassroots Garden Centre for pathway and access improvements be agreed.

To receive updates from the following Copeland Champions:-

Armed Forces Champion

Autism Champion

Children’s Champion

Dementia Champion

Fire Champion

Health Champion

Dementia Champion

The Dementia Champion advised members that a grant funding report would be made available in January 2023.

To receive a verbal update from members serving on any outside bodies/external committees they attend on behalf of Copeland Local Committee.

The Local Member for Cleator Moor West informed members that the Cleator Moor Town Deal had been approved.

The Local Member for Bransty advised that the administration of the Piper Education Trust had been passed to Whitehaven Town Council from Copeland Borough Council.  The County Council’s Democratic Services Officer had submitted the relevant minute and letter to the Local Member confirming his Local Committee appointment to this Trust.

The restructuring of outside bodies to prepare for LGR was discussed.

To discuss any relevant nuclear issues.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property gave a short update on Nuclear issues which included the STEP decision and proposed SMRs sites.

To note that the next meeting of Copeland Local Committee will be held on 16 January 2023 at 10.15 am at Cleator Moor Civic Hall, Cleator Moor.

It was noted that the next meeting of Copeland Local Committee will be held on 16 January 2023 at 10.15 am at Cleator Moor Civic Hall, Cleator Moor.