Agenda and minutes

To receive, as read, the Minutes of the proceedings of the previous Council meeting, and to confirm them or otherwise.

RESOLVED         The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 27^th September 2023 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

To receive questions, statements or petitions (if any) from members of the public.

The following members of the public addressed the meeting under the right to speak policy:

Mr Dominic Green               County Combined Authority

Mrs Bea Foster                     Conflict in Palestine, Gaza and Israel

Under CPR 13 (c) Cllr Howard Baker moved, seconded by Cllr Gordon Birtwistle to re-order the agenda to hear Item 6a Lancashire County Combined Authority and Devolution Proposal prior to Item 5b Motion on the establishment of a County Combined Authority for Lancashire.

On being put to the vote the motion was declared to be carried and it was duly RESOLVED.

It was moved by Cllr Lubna Khan, and seconded by Cllr Scott Cunliffe that:

Motion on Ceasefire for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, The West Bank and Israel and immediate release of hostages.

Residents in Burnley including those in the interfaith community are very concerned about what is happening in Palestine and Israel. This issue has been debated regularly by the building bridges in Burnley Forum. As a town we need to continue to work hard on the relationships in the town between all sections of the community. The situation in Palestine and Israel is of direct relevance to building community cohesion in Burnley. We have been approached by residents with strong links to Palestine and Israel who are deeply concerned. It should noted that there are a number of residents with strong connections and family in the region who are deeply impacted by the conflict.

For many years our Borough has come together to resolve conflicts across social and cultural divides, a fact celebrated through the continuous work of community-based organisations like Building Bridges. Hundreds of our residents are engaged in activities organised by and for residents of diverse

backgrounds and beliefs.

We are appalled by the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, that has had severe consequences for civilians in both Israel and Palestine. The unprecedented level of casualties has resulted in countless lives being lost. Each passing day sees a rising toll on lives and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Civilian deaths in Gaza are increasing rapidly due to the relentless Israeli bombardment, retaliating to the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7th in Israel, which led to 1,400 fatalities and the abduction of civilians.

Many residents from across Burnley have asked us, their representatives, to speak out and call on the UK government to push for an immediate ceasefire to stop the mass killing of civilians in the Israel-Gaza conflict and for the immediate release of all hostages held since October 7th, 2023.

According to recent figures at least 15,271 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, including 3,561 women and 6,403 children, often through indiscriminate and unlawful attacks. Over half of Gaza's casualties are children, and thousands are missing with many trapped beneath the rubble. Millions face additional displacement, dispossession, and suffering. Over 200 Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other resistance groups in Gaza are in peril, and ongoing indiscriminate rocket fire into Israel poses risks to civilians. Israel's tightened siege on Gaza has blocked essential goods like water, food,

and fuel, leaving over 2 million people in the Gaza Strip struggling to survive.

The humanitarian catastrophe resulting from Israel's 16-year-long illegal blockade will escalate further if the fighting doesn't cease immediately.

Serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, persist among all parties involved in the conflict.

Therefore, this council moves that:

This Council believes that an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages is needed to halt the ongoing violence.

We direct the Council Leader and Chief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To consider the recommendations as set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report on the proposed combined authority and devolution deal for Lancashire.

Cllr Anwar moved, and Cllr Maggie Lishman seconded:

That Full Council:

a)         defer submitting a consultation response supporting or opposing the proposal (with or without amendments) until the 24th of January 2024 Full Council meeting to enable members to make an informed decision after hearing the views of residents, businesses and stakeholders.  This is still within the consultation window.

Our initial view is:

b)         This Council acknowledges the Government's support for the application from the three Upper-Tier authorities in Lancashire (Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council) to establish a Level 2 County Combined Authority without a Directly Elected Mayor for Lancashire.

c)         While we affirm our support for devolution in Lancashire, we express our reservations regarding the proposed terms of the announced deal. The absence of involvement from District Councils and District Leaders in the deal's development is deemed unhelpful and undemocratic. This Council therefore emphasises the importance of granting voting rights to district councils in any arrangement, recognising that such a provision lies within the powers of the constituent members.

d)         This Council has previously advocated for exploring a Mayoral Combined Authority, aligning with the Government's stance that such an authority (Level 3 – With a Directly Elected Mayor) secures the most significant devolution within the limitations imposed by current rules.

e)         Regrettably, the current proposed deal falls short of representing Burnley's ambitions and addressing our unique challenges. Furthermore, the removal of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the absence of voting rights for districts, and the transfer of other functions from districts do not align with the principles of genuine devolution. 

f)          The social and economic needs of East Lancashire’s citizens are not the same as those facing other parts of the county. This Council encourages further dialogue and negotiation to ensure that any future arrangements better reflect Burnley's aspirations and contribute to meaningful devolution.

g)         We note that the Government's assertion that the current parliamentary window limits the possibility of securing a Level 3 deal, we acknowledge that the proposed deal may serve as an initial step toward future agreements.

h)        Notes that this council does not support local government reorganisation as a precursor to any form of devolution.

Following a point of order raised by Cllr Mark Townsend under CPR 14.12 it was moved, seconded and duly RESOLVED to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 19.43 and resumed at 20.08

On being put to the vote the motion was declared to be carried and it was duly RESOLVED.

Cllr Townsend withdrew the motion.

To consider the recommendations set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report setting out constitutional amendments, reporting and appointments to committees.

RESOLVED, THAT:

1.    The Leader’s removal of the Deputy Leader and Executive members as set out in Appendix 1 be noted.

2.    The Leader’s appointment of the Deputy Leader and the Executive as set out in Appendix 2, and the detailed remits of those portfolios as set out in Appendix 3 be noted.

3.    The change in the Political Balance of the Council following the election of Councillor Alex Hall be noted; and the following changes to committee places and Outside Bodies be approved:

4.    The following minor amendment to Part 2 of the Constitution – Articles (Article 12) – the transfer of Housing & Development Control Service from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive as set out in the Management Structure Review as set out in Appendix 5 be noted.

5.    An amendment to the Guidance for Members and Officers involved in outside organisations at paragraph 2.10 of Part 5.7 of the Constitution to clarify the rules regarding insurance be approved.  

The reports of Committee Chairs were noted.

RESOLVED              That the Strategic Plan Progress Reports of Executive Members be noted.