Transcript

The Deputy Mayor and Mayor Ilette, Councillor Marilyn Houston, the Chief Executive and the Director of Governance and Compliance. Thank you. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Good morning distinguished guests, members of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. [Music] Welcome to Cheshire East Council's Mayor making ceremony. Immediately following Mayor making this morning, there will be a short special meeting of the Council, where a number of honorary alderman will be appointed. I extend a particularly warm welcome to past members who have joined us today. Item one is Apologies for Absence. Good Mr. Reed, please read out the Apologies. Mr. Mayor, if we can cover that in the later parts of the meeting, I'll have the current list. I think there are some additions to it. Item two is Declarations of Interest. Councillor Marilyn Houston and Councillor David Edward-Beworths have a personal interest in the appointment of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. Under any other declarations of interest, I should add that in asking for declarations of interest, I am only asking in relation to the proceedings this morning for our Mayor making ceremony. Anyone wish to declare any declarations of interest? Can't see anyone. I think the answer must be no. Thank you. The main item on the agenda today is to elect a member of Cheshire East Council to the Office of Mayor of the Borough to hold office for the Municipal Year 2024-25. I call upon Councillor Arthur Moran to come forward to propose the motion that Councillor Marilyn Houston be elected Mayor. Councillor Moran. Well, good morning, everybody. And I think one of the words I used last time when I was up here was it's good to be back and it's good to be back at town. Apologies for my footwear, but I was talking to one or two people before the ceremony and I said, it's very difficult to put on these fashion shoes now. I think I've been so used to walking around and having good wars in trainers. So anyway, Mr. Mayor, distinguished guests, members of the Council and ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor to be here this morning to propose that Councillor Marilyn Houston be Mayor of Cheshire East for the Municipal Year 2024-25. Time fly, 24-25. But the position of Deputy Mayor is like the apprentice and without Lord Sugar actually giving you the sack. When I was Deputy Mayor to Olivia Hunter, she was not what he would call a Sunday Mayor. And in fact, she used to like to go with the two daughters to the Trafford Centre and I got plenty of civic services when I was Deputy Mayor. Now, Marilyn, to say, is a very well educated person, certainly better than me. She's got a BA Honours degree at Sussex University, and guess in what subject? Well, it's got to be politics, hasn't it? She actually had a career in local government, various positions with Lambeth, crewing down Twitch and Cheshire East. And at Cheshire East, she was in the Housing Services Department before she actually retired in 2014. She's been a member of Cheshire East Council since 2019, and she represents the crew west on the town council in crew. Now, I was Deputy Mayor in 2016, and there was many occasions when Marilyn and I were at similar events. And I've just got to say to one of them, which was the actual launch of the Panterline at the Lyceum Theatre. And the two stars out there were Kalman and the late Tommy Ball. In other words, rock on Tommy. He was there, so it was very good to meet them. Our new Mayor Elect has some interesting hobbies, actually, when I looked at what she's doing. Horse riding. Right. And also roller skating, so she's going to certainly be a Mayor on the move. And she's actually a member of the real town local rollers. Didn't even know there was a such an organisation, but that's what she says. So she's going to be, as I said, a Mayor certainly on the move. To complete the mayoral team, Pauline has become Mayor S, and they will make a great mayoral team and represent Cheshire East on this council. So I move that Councilor Marilyn Houston will be Mayor of Cheshire East for the municipal year 24-25. Thank you. I now call upon Councillor Sam Corcoran to come forward to second the motion. Councillor Corcoran. Firstly, Madam Mayor, following on from Councillor Moran's comments on footwear, a campaign you might wish to take up is Councillor Louise Gittens, the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, is promoting an active souls campaign to encourage people to wear flat shoes, to encourage them to be active. But Madam Mayor, there are three things you need as Mayor. Firstly, to be able to work with officers and members of the Council. Marilyn was elected to Cheshire East in 2019 after a career in local government, ranging from play manager at the London Borough of Lambeth to Cheshire Home Choice Coordinator with Cheshire East. Marilyn was Deputy Leader of the Labour Group before stepping down to become Deputy Mayor of Cheshire East Council. Secondly, to be able to represent the Council. Marilyn has served on crew town council since 2015 and was Mayor of Crew in 2016. I am confident that Marilyn will enhance the reputation of Cheshire East Council at the civic events that she attends. And thirdly, to be able to chair meetings. I have been left in no doubt as to the high standards of behaviour Marilyn will be expecting from members. I encourage and advise all Councillors to show her the respect due to the Office of Mayor and because she's a lovely person. So Councillors, Marilyn Houston has all the skills required for this role and I hope you will join with me in voting for her to be Mayor for the year ahead. And I would say to you Marilyn, enjoy today and I hope you have a wonderful year. (Applause) The motion has been moved and seconded. All those in favour please indicate. Thank you. That is clearly carried. Thank you. Councilor Houston, I am pleased to inform you that by resolution of the Council you have been duly elected as Mayor of Cheshire East for the forthcoming Municipal Year. May I be the first to congratulate you. (Applause) Happy May. Distinguished guests, members of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding whilst Councillor Houston and Councillor Fletcher retire to prepare for the ceremony of investing the Mayor with the chain of office. Thank you. (Applause) (Applause) Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. At the request of the Civic Heads, a very short recess will now take place to allow the Mayor's Officer to remove the chain of office. To remove the chain of office and the mayoral roads. In a few moments, the mayoral party will return from the rear of the hall. Councillor Houston will be wearing her ceremonial robes, but will receive her chain of office on the stage from Councillor Fletcher. (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) Distinguished guests, members of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding for Councillor Marilyn Houston, the Mayor of Cheshire East. (Applause) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) (Applause) (Music) (Music) (Applause) (Music) English guests, members of the Council, my friends and family members, welcome everyone and thank you for coming here today. I would like to express my appreciation to Councillors Moran and Corcoran for their kind words when proposing me. Thank you, fellow Councillors, for your support. It's a great honour to be asked to represent Cheshire East as the first citizen. Following in the footsteps of Councillor Fletcher, who has fulfilled that role in such an exemplary manner, that will stand me in good stead, I'm sure, in the coming year. Thank you. Cheshire East has always been a special place for me to live and work in and to be part of our wonderful communities. There will be no doubt be difficult challenges in the coming year. For all members and for myself, not least for me, the challenge of chairing meetings in a way that enable opinions to be heard in a positive and respectful manner. Let us all aim to deliver the best outcomes for the people of Cheshire East by working constructively together. I am looking forward in my mayoral year to meeting the volunteers and staff of organisations and businesses throughout Cheshire East. They work so hard and I look forward to thanking them. My chosen charity will be the Crew and Man Twitch Committee of Cancer Research UK that my sister Diane and myself are members of. Thank you in advance for everyone who contributes. In closing, I would like to thank my wonderful friend Pauline Kavalski, who has agreed to be my consort. I know she will do a fantastic job. Thank you everyone and I now invite Pauline Kavalski to come forward to be invested. Thank you. (Applause) (Applause) (Applause) (Applause) And now for the appointment of Deputy Mayor. The next month item on the agenda item 4 is the appointment of Deputy Mayor to hold office for 2024-25. Councillor David Edwards was nominated as Deputy Mayor Elect at the last meeting of Council. I call upon Councillor Redge Crane to come forward and propose the motion that Councillor David Edwards be appointed Deputy Mayor for the coming municipal year. I would just like to say before I propose Councillor Edwards, this time last year I was a very new Councillor with very little understanding of what was going on. And he was one of the first people to come up and introduce himself to me. He has since been my chair on the licensing committee and I would like to add he's been an exceptional guiding hand and an attentive mentor. Therefore, I take great pleasure in proposing the motion that Councillor David Edwards be appointed Deputy Mayor for the coming municipal year. Thank you. (Applause) We're now called upon Councillor John Ray to come forward to second the motion. Thank you Madam Mayor. It's a privilege and an honor to second Councillor for the position of Deputy Mayor. I couldn't think of a finer chap to do it. I have known him through the licensing committee. I haven't prepared a speech or anything like that. I'm not in the habit of preparing long-winded speeches to give to members of the council, but I can't think of a finer chap to do the job as Deputy Mayor than Councillor Edwards. It's more than happy, privileged to propose a seconder. Thank you. (Applause) The motion has been moved and seconded. All those in favour please indicate. Councillor Edwards, I am pleased to inform you that by resolution of the council, you've been duly appointed as Deputy Mayor of Cheshire East for the forthcoming municipal year. Sorry, you got to turn the page. Turn in the wrong page there. Sorry for Councillor Edwards. May I be the first to congratulate you. (Applause) Mr Deputy Mayor, may I invite you to take a step forward to make your decoration acceptance of office. (Applause) (Applause) (Applause) I didn't prepare this because it's really good. Thank you, madame. I've got a few sort of thank yous and so on, but just say, first of all, thank you to the Mayor. Also, the distinguished guests today and ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming. Thank you very much for showing your confidence in me. I'd like to thank Reg Kane for proposing me and for John Ray. A lot of people think that we all hate each other, but we don't. We're great friends, a lot of us are friends, and it transcends party politics and so on. We go down to the pub and have a drink and so on, and I like to think, get on very well together. I would like to say that there is a correlation between these two things, and there's a separation of 43 years. This is a Cheshire County Council tie, and I was elected in 1981, and I've carried this round the world with me, and this office is a current one. In those days, we didn't have passes and lanyards and that sort of thing. We had different coloured ties, and so we had green, red and blue. I don't know, we had one independent in those days, 1981. I won't say his name, and I'd just still to this day wonder, if it's shown in the records, that he voted on both sides in a recorded vote. He voted for an item and against an item, which takes some doing, I think. So, as I say, there was 43 years between this event and me as an angry young man, standing and winning a seat on Cheshire County Council. I'm very, very honoured. Thank you. [applause] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] So, unlike last year, I remember to take my glasses off and not stick them on my head. I'll try not to let my nerves get in the way, but I'm only nervous because I actually respect you. I'll see if I can make a reasonable job of this. Ladies and gentlemen, as we gather here today, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed former mayor, Rod Fletcher, for his remarkable tenure. This past year has been nothing short of exhilarating, and Rod has embraced every moment with a zest that is truly infectious. Amidst his duties, Rod has also been the life of the party, bringing laughter and joy wherever he goes. Allow me to regal you with a couple of delightful anecdotes that perfectly encapsulate his youthful spirit. At the Star Awards, hosted by our dedicated children's services, Rod showcased his hidden talent as an extraordinary karaoke artist with a twinkle in his eye and a microphone in hand. He took the stage by storm, delivering a rendition of Tom Jones' classic green, green grass of home. I must say, his impersonation was nothing short of stellar, earning him rapturous applause and leaving us all in awe of his versatility. And then, just a few weeks ago, Rod found himself in the midst of a whimsical escapade at the Dainside Theatre in Congleton, attending a performance of the Adams family, the musical. Rod was unexpectedly summoned on the stage for some impromptu audience participation, and to our amazement, he rose to the occasion, was such penance that the cast couldn't resist inviting him back on for an encore performance, that very night. Furthermore, I ran into the mirror, attending a performance of the musical Kinky Boots, and was hoping for a repeat performance by him, and an experience I'm sure he would have again carried off with greater plume. Unfortunately, they didn't have his size, so we missed out on that one. Rod, despite your status as an elder statesman, you still have the youthful willingness to dive headfirst into every experience, your infectious enthusiasm, and your ability to spread joy wherever you go, and left an indelible mark on all of us. As we bid farewell to your morality, you know that your legacy of laughter and camaraderie will continue to inspire us for years to come. Thank you, Rod, for a year filled with unforgettable moments and cherries memories. And to add, I would also like to thank Rod Fletcher on a personal level, as being an extremely attentive advisor and mentor in my first year. Thank you very much. (Applause) I'd like to invite the Mayor to present Councillor Rod Fletcher and Kate Hall as his Mayor S with medals to mark their service as Mayor and Mayor S of Cheshire East. (Applause) (Applause) (Applause) (Applause) (Applause) I now invite Councillor Rod Fletcher as outgoing Mayor to make his address to the Council. Madam Mayor, Mayor S, distinguished guests, Councillors, ladies and gentlemen, and Councillors especially thank you for allowing me to be your Mayor for the past year. Thank you. Kate and I have had very many enjoyable experiences, although some of them have been very humbling. It has been said many times before that there are very many hard-working heroes for many charities and organisations helping out under the radar. This also includes Cheshire East officers. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication when attending events, like the Star Presentation Day for looked after children, the new Family Hoping Wilmslow, the safeguarding presentations, and the film premier in Mackelsfield of Hear My Voice, a series of films including young people, very brave young people, from Kigsaw, young carers, adult carers and local clinicians. The object of these films is to help people understand and support these people. These films are going to be shown nationwide in the coming year. Congratulations to all involved. I attended all the award presentations at Wreatseath College. I noticed that some groups were very small. On inquiry I was advised that some groups were kept small intentionally to enable less-advantaged students have more time with their instructors. I found this absolutely incredible. During my year as Cheshire East Mayor, I represented all walks of life and as such accepted all invitations that I was available to attend, and I thank my daughter Kate for accompanying me on many of them while still working full-time. We both had the honour of meeting Her Royal Highness Princess Anne at Judel Bank while she was opening the New Rights Centre and also planting a very special apple tree. This apple tree was grown from pips in Sir Isaac Newton's garden in Lincolnshire. These pips, eight pips, were taken into space by Tim Peak. And on arrival back on Earth, Tim Peak took the two gardens and eight apple trees grew. And one of them is at Judel Bank. It's now in this Bernard Love Lodge. If you're visiting the New Rights Centre, which you can recommend, have a look at this apple tree grown from pips that have been in space. We have attended many events such as concerts, stage shows, also opening events, including the opening of Congolton's wonderful new leisure centre, the new family hub in Wilmslow, a new care home in Chavington, and also a 1.2 million show home in Wilmslow. I have also been present at the opening of new businesses within Cheshire East. Kate and I were honoured to accept invitations to attend Ramadan, if not, and Ramadan Mubarak events, at which we were made very welcome. I've been presenting certificates and medals for the summer reading challenge in Olsager Library since 2005. This year was different. I was dressed in the Meryl robe. One young person asked me if I was a pirate. I am not sure whether it was disappointed or relieved when I told him I was not. I have found the citizenship ceremonies very humbling, welcoming people who were so proud to become British citizens. That really did impress people wanting to become British citizens. I am grateful. I've attended many civic services from Dizzley to Nandwich and Fleek to Warmskirk. I am grateful for the support of my chaplain, the Reverend Rob Hilton, for his support. Rob, would you now like to come and say a few words, please? Thank you, Rod. Madam Mayor, Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it's a privilege as ever to accompany Rod on an occasion like this and to pay tribute to him and to the Council and the wonderful work that you all do. I know that Rod is motivated by his Christian faith. He believes in a God who loves the world and calls people to love it too, to work together for each other for good and for the good of the planet, not just its people. Jesus is often misunderstood when he said he laid down his life for his friends. It's often assumed that that was a prediction of his death. I'm not sure that's what he meant. I think he was talking about giving of a life of service, not just a death, which was a service in Jesus' case. I've followed that example in the life that you have lived, not just the year of service and the many years of service as a Councillor that you continue to give. So thank you to you for all that you do. We all know that we see around us people doing what concerns other people for the good of the communities in Cheshire South that we're part of, that we represent and that we know. And I want to pay tribute, Rod, to some of the qualities that you have demonstrated. I'm sure whether you've been balancing budgets or balancing the qualities of power that you have in your responsibility and the service that you give. To be part of a Council is to be part of the fabric of human society and to represent those societies, whether it's friends, neighbours or families, you have done a fine job. In being interested in people, in showing your interest to people and as we've heard several times in doing good for those communities. Whether it's residents, visitors or as you've said, the newly moved in or even the passing through, your visits, and I understand you've made a lot of visits to large and small events and each one of them you've brought humour and goodwill. So well done and thank you to you. I also want to pay tribute, Rod, to the values of service that I'm sure you have demonstrated. Your wisdom has already been mentioned. Your honesty and integrity and something that I have noticed in nearly all our conversations. Your kindness in the way you have conducted yourself and I'm sure others will have noticed that too. Rod, thank you for the privilege of sharing some of the moments of the year with you. Posting your civic service in your home church at Wesley Place Methodist Church in Olsager. But also in being able to be present at the Holocaust Memorial Service, the council held in Macclesfield Town Hall. I have to say, I think that occasion, the way it was conducted, what was said, remembered, and the sense of togetherness on that occasion has to be one of the highlights of my year. Thank you for the opportunity to share it with you. We all know you have a huge respect for the environment and the caring of the earth's resources, and we hope that your work and your constant reminder of the importance of that climate work will continue in all our lives, not just our council service, but in many, many different ways. Rod, I know you have enjoyed serving, and so today we give thanks for your service and for your leadership as we all, I'm sure, continue to support your successor, Marilyn. Marilyn, I am somebody who enjoys running some of the fields and the lanes of also to where I live. I'm also, as you might guess, and perhaps as you might hope, a man of prayer, so I am all in favor of active souls. Thank you. Rod, thank you again for your year. I would also like to thank the Reverend Robin Fox, who came off the suburbs bench and stood in for Robin one or two occasions. Thank you to Robin. I was honoured to welcome the Armed Forces Liaison meeting, which Cheshire East hosted in Maclesfield Town Hall. I did feel reassured when meeting armed services leaders from the Northwest. As mayor, I could not have functioned without the support of Mel and Martin. Supporting mayor, the mayor is only a very, very small part of their Cheshire East duties, so their support has really been greatly appreciated. Mel, could you come up, please? It's not flowers this year. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Where's Martin? He's not hiding, is he? Marilyn, if you have any questions, Martin or Mel, they're the people to ask. Thank you. I've asked plenty already. Thanks, Martin. Thank you very much. Thank you. Also, during the Okeda myself, we made some very new and special friendships. Some small parishes do not have their own mayor, so Kate and I were made very welcome at the events in these small parishes. Also, we attended many events in the town where local mayors and councillors, many in this room, were there, and many of you are present here today. Kate and I thank you sincerely for your friendship during these events. Finally, we could not have arrived at these events without the help of Clive and Dave. I know they go to some events the same place, Europe and Europe, but others, there are some new events sometimes, and these can be a little difficult to find, but they get there eventually, even though we may go down some hazardous narrow tracks sometimes, following what it says on, but we won't go there. So, first of all, Clive, could you come up, please? A big thank you. It will seem wrong, he's bringing his own present for me to give to him. That was so the bottles didn't bang together, didn't want any clinking on the stage. A Dave could you come up, please? Thank you. Finally, Madam Mayor Mareline, thank you for your support during the year, and I hope you and the mayor have a very, very enjoyable year. Thank you. We are now coming to the end of our Mayor making ceremony. As Councillor Fletch had mentioned at the start of the meeting, we will today be appointing a number of new honoree ultimate. This has by law to be done at a special meeting of Council. This meeting will commence in a few moments when Annual Council is adjourned until this afternoon. I now declare Annual Council adjourned. Members, I declare our special meeting of Council to have commenced. So, item one on our special meeting, apologies for absence, Mr. E. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The names listed as apologies for this morning's meeting are as follows. Councillor John Bird, Councillor David Jeffery, Councillor Mike Sewart, Councillor John Smith, Councillor Julie Smith, Councillor Laura Smith and Councillor David Brown. Item two, declarations of interest. Are there any declarations of interest? Councillor Gartner. Oh, thank you, Councillor Gartner. I'm George. So, again, on to declarations of interest. Are there any declarations of interest? I should add that in asking for declarations of interest, I'm only asking in relation to this special meeting of Council. No declaration? So, item three is the appointment of honoree Alderman. It's particularly pleasing that my first formal duty as mayor is to preside over this special meeting of Council, where we both honour and thank past members for the work that they did for the Cheshirey community over many years. I understand that trying to calculate the combined total service of these past members being honoured has been a challenge to our officers. That's not a reflection on their mathematical skills, but rather a reflection that in some cases, those being honoured had given a lifetime of service and that the records that we have from 30 or 40 years ago are in some cases incomplete. In all cases, those members being honoured have a minimum of 12 years service as a Councillor. There are two substantive items on the agenda for this meeting. The first is to appoint eight former members as honoree Alderman. The second is a vote of thanks to four former members who were appointed as honoree Alderman by predecessor authorities, but then went on to serve as Cheshirey's Councillors. We cannot appoint them as honoree Alderman twice. No, of course, we would want to, but we can thank them for their service and present them with a certificate of commendation. First of all, I call upon Councillor Janet Klaus to come forward to propose the motion that Mark Esquiff, Penny Buttrall, Byron Evans, Peter Groves, David Marin, Andrew Martin, Don Stockton and Jackie Weatherall are appointed as honoree Alderman of Cheshirey's. Thank you, Councillor Klaus. Dear Madam Mayor, Deputy Mayor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, first of all may I congratulate you both on your appointment this morning. It's my very great pleasure to propose eight former Councillors of Cheshire East and in some cases its predecessor councils to be appointed as honoree Alderman and older women in the borough. We have heard how all have had to serve at least 12 years as elected representatives. But when we consider those to be appointed today, who have served terms of office on Cheshire East and on Macklesfield and crew and Nantwich Borough Councils, then we are looking at a combined total of public service that is in excess of 150 years. If we add just a couple from item two, add another century to that. And this does not include their public service in other roles on town and parish councils, or indeed in one case as a local government officer. It is therefore only fitting that we recognize their extraordinary commitment to local government and to the communities that they serve. I therefore formally propose that the following Councilors are appointed honoree Alderman and older women to the borough of Cheshire East. Mark Asquith, Chelford, Penny Butterall, Nantwich North, Byron Evans, Layton, Peter Groves, Nantwich South, David Marin, Chavington, Andrew Martin, Nantwich South, Don Stockton, Wilmslow Lacey Green and Jackie Weatherall, Wisterson. I so move. Thank you Madam Mayor. Thank you. I would now ask Councillor Arthur Moran to step forward to formally second the motion. Well, thank you Madam Mayor and congratulations on your election as Mayor of Cheshire East and also to Deputy Mayor on this election to Cheshire East. Jeanette's very ably puts the resolution forward. I'll just add to this, if I may. I've known all these Councillors, Mark, Penny, Byron, David, Andrew, Jackie, Peter and Don Stockton went around Cheshire East. I've not known them all and have all been very hard working Councillors. It's been a privilege to know them and all the work that they've done. I was privileged to be an honoree Alderman of Cheshire East in 2009. Steve Wilkinson was chair of Cheshire County Council then and Jeremy Taylor was chief exec. The honour of a honoree Alderman, I shall you say, Alderman by reality, is a very unique one actually. It's only applicable if you are a Councillor that decides not to stand up in the election. It's also applicable to a Councillor who is defeated at an election and it's also applicable to a person who presumably dies in office and then doesn't become a Councillor but becomes an honoree Alderman. So, what we want for all our Alderman today, we don't want the last option. So, to conclude, may I second the motion and urge you all to support it. Thank you. Before moving to the vote, can I just mention that only Cheshire East Council members can vote? I would now ask members to vote on this motion. Please do so by raising your hand. Those in favour? I would just remind you that a two-thirds majority is required. Thank you. It is clear that that is being carried. Not all of our new honoree Alderman can be with us today but those that are here will now receive a frame certificate and a small gift. Honoree Alderman, your name will in a moment be called by the Chief Executive. Please step forward when you hear your name. Can I ask Mark Asquith to come forward, please? Handy bus roll, could you come forward, please? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Handy bus roll, could you come forward? Ladies and gentlemen, we will ensure that Byron Evans, Don Stockton and Jackie Weatherall will receive their certificates and gifts in a timely manner as they're unable to be here today. Now we will have a vote of thanks to former members. I now invite Councillor Sam Corcoran, Leader of the Council, to propose the motion that Stan Davis, Paul Finlow, Aylith Harewood, M.B. and Steve Hobcoran be recognized for their meritorious service as members of Cheshire East and thanked for their valuable contribution to local government. Thank you Madam Mayor and congratulations on your election to office. Distinguished guests, fellow members, ladies and gentlemen, I'm delighted to be proposing this motion. Stan Davies and Steve Hobcoran were appointed as Alderman by the former Crew and Nantwich Council in 2009. Paul Finlow was appointed as an Alderman by the former County Council in the same year as was Aylith Harewood by the former Mackelsfield Council. In each case, the appointment reflected meritorious service to that Council over many years. The fact that we are here in 2024 honouring them for their service to this Council is quite remarkable. In some ways it may seem strange that we cannot appoint each of them as honorary Alderman of Cheshire East, but the arcane rules that we work to mean that anyone who has been appointed as an honorary Alderman by any of our predecessor authorities automatically became an honorary Alderman of Cheshire East at midnight on the 1st of April 2009. A quirk of the system does mean that if they were then or at a later date became a Cheshire East Councillor, the position and title of honorary Alderman was suspended for the duration of their time as an elected member. An officer did tell me that one honorary Alderman, not one we are honouring today, argued vociferously some years ago that he should be able to continue to be titled and treated as an honorary Alderman whilst continuing to serve as a Councillor. It was explained to him that the Council is not permitted by law to make any payment to honorary Alderman, so had he succeeded in his quest, he would have lost his allowance. I am conscious that we are honouring two former members of my own group and two former members of the Conservative group, so in looking for an appropriate quotation to end with, I feel on safe ground quoting the words of John F. Kennedy, who said public service is a noble calling and we need men and women of character to answer that call. Stan Davies, Paul Findlow, A Lift Hairwood and Steve Hogman have certainly exemplified that noble calling and as a council, we are grateful for their service. Thank you. [Applause] I would now ask Councillor Rod Fletcher to step forward to formally second the motion. Madam Mayor, distinguished west, Councillors, ladies and gentlemen, I formally second this vote and incidentally, I was called a frozen Alderman in 2009. I was called for a council seat to exist and I had quite an overview of service, they made me an honorary Alderman, but I was told, it was frozen whilst I was a ceteries councillor. And incidentally, I am not the councillor that Councillor Cawkin referred to a few minutes ago. I am delighted that I have been asked to second this motion. I have known all the former members that we are honouring for many years, two of them on the county council. And one of them, we worked together in Railhouse, didn't we? I won't mention your name Steve, but we worked, you know, oh yes, yes. So all four have worked tirelessly for ceteries community and we have much to thank them for. Each in their own way has made a unique contribution to this council and the councils of which they were formally members. We should also remember the difference they have made to the lives of the countless hundreds of people that they have represented. We should thank all four of them on their behalf. I hope that after all their year of service, all four are enjoying their retirements. Although knowing them, I suspect that none would see themselves as fully retired. Thank you. So we moved to the vote, and I just remember everyone that only members of Cheshire's Council can vote. I've now asked you to vote on this motion. Those in favour? Clearly carried. Ladies and gentlemen, our former members will now receive a frame certificate and a small gift. Honoree Alderman, your name will be called by the Chief Executive. Please step forward when you hear your name. Honoree Alderman, Stan Davies, could you come forward please? Honoree Alderman, your name will be called by the Chief Executive. (Applause) Honoree Alderman, Paul Findlow, could you come forward please? (Applause) (Laughter) Honoree Alderman, Mrs Aliff, hardwood, please come forward please. Honoree Alderman, your name will be called by the Chief Executive. (Laughter) (Applause) (Applause) And Honoree Alderman, Steve Hobbin, please come forward. (Applause) (Applause) Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, that brings us to the end of today's special meeting of council. Thank you all for attending what I'm sure you will agree has been a very enjoyable occasion. Indeed, I hope that all meetings that I will be chairing over the next 12 months are as enjoyable. The annual meeting of council will resume at 1.45pm as members will be aware that there is important business to transact. Please take your personal belongings with you now as during the lunch break officers will be reconfiguring the room. And a light lunch she's being served at the back of the hall and I will invite our guest, mayors, family members to join me outside for the photographs as well as everyone's having lunch. Thank you. Members of the council distinguished guests, your worshipfuls, ladies and gentlemen, if you are able, may I ask you to be upstanding for the mayor of the poor of Cheshire East, councilor Marilyn Houston. (Music) (Music) (Music) (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. (Music) Please hold your meeting has been temporarily adjourned. 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Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Please hold your meeting has been fully adjourned. Yes, you can lower your hands any abstentions. The number of members voting for the proposition was 35. The number of voters voting against the proposition was 34. With six abstentions and those counts were very clearly tallied with my other counters. That is carried. Councilor Corcoran may I be the first to congratulate you on being Leader of the Council. Now we move on to the election of the Deputy Leader. Are there any nominations for Deputy Leader of the Council? Councillor Anderson is indicating. Councillor Anderson. Councillor Gorman is nominated as Councillor Gorman. Councillor Gorman is nominated as Councillor. Nominating Councillor Gorman. Is it second? Is that seconded? Councillor Caulcoran. Are there any speakers? Yes. Councillor Caulcoran. Just the three Councillor Caulcoran and Councillor Caulcoran. Councillor Caulcoran. Thank you. I have had the chance since his recent appointment as leader of his group to get to know Councillor Gorman a little better. I think there is much that we could work together on and much that I think we could respect about each other and our approaches to the way in which we deal with Council matters. However, I have to say that in terms of working together, if that is to be achieved, we need to seriously rethink how we work our systems of governance because they do not play in favour of actually having good interactive relationships with your main opposition. And that is in part reminiscent of a speech at a previous 2019 Council meeting where your predecessor said, we are the leaders in the playground and we are keeping all the sweetest. I remember it, it is in the minutes. So I hope that we can at least move away from that approach and that we can work better, but unfortunately where we have just one vote between an approved leader of Council and a not approved leader of Council and six abstentions, I have to say that I am not able to support you today. Thank you. Councillor Ward-Law. Thank you Madam Mayor. Councillor Gorman, I thought you were a breath of fresh air when I heard you speak on your arrival at Council. I thought this was, I looked at your CV, it is outstanding and I welcome you as a welcome addition belatedly to the Council chamber. However, the speech you just gave there, I am afraid I found a few points in there, quite insulting and somewhat far from my truth. On the basis that you were also in complete support of Councillor Cawker and I am afraid what was going to be my support is now withdrawn. I apologise. Councillor Cawkeran. Thank you Madam Mayor. I am pleased to second the motion that Michael Gorman be the Deputy Leader of Cheshireys Council for 2024-2025. Michael has stepped up admirably into the role during the year. I do think it was a shock to him, the amount of work required in the Deputy Leader role and that is a credit to Craig Brown. I don't think many people realised and appreciated the hours and the hard work that he put in, not just as Councillor for oldly edge, but also serving residents across Cheshire East, as every Councillor should. From what I have seen in recent weeks I have no doubt about the level of commitment and the energy that Michael will bring to the role of Deputy Leader. I now look forward to implementing some of the ideas he has already brought forward. There are challenges ahead at this Council, but we are up for that challenge and so are the officers. Thank you Madam Mayor. Councillor Anderson to sum up. Councillor Anderson to sum up. Thank you Madam Mayor. I have known Michael for a couple of years now when he joined the independent group in room slow. I knew he was in the Room for the Historical Society, but I didn't realise how many of the community groups he was also involved in, especially around sports and younger people. There has been a player and a coach in many sports, including Swimming of which he got a Duke of Edinburgh award, which I know is very proud, but that pales in the comparison with his birth of his grandchild last year. He is very proud grandparent. I know Michael has got a wide range of experience and that's been seen by all members and we can see across the board. Michael gets on with everyone. No one can say a bad word against him. I think that's an absolute credit to Michael. I know since becoming deputy leader he's been going around a lot of town and parish councils, regardless of what the political makeup is of that particular Council. And if he's not come round to yours, I'm sure he'll be around very soon. I know Michael is keen to support Rob and the other officers in driving through transformation, and this is what is needed going forward to make this Council successful, and I'm sure Michael is the right person for this job. I recommend Michael and I hope he can support me in supporting Michael. Thank you. The nominees have been proposed and seconded, so I'll move to the vote and again can I remind members when voting to raise your hand very, very clearly please. So those voting for. Thank you. And you may lower your hands now those voting against. Lowering your hands, please, and those not voting. Mr Reid, will you read out the result, please. Thank you very clear, tallied vote with 38 votes in favor of the proposition 29 against and seven abstentions. The proposal is carried, Councillor Gorman. Congratulations on being elected Deputy Leader. Thank you. Item 11 is political representation on the Council committees. The appendix has been agreed by group leaders and group administrators. The appendix has been circulated by email to all members, and a few copies have been placed around this chamber. The recommendations are set out on page 35 of the agenda. I believe that Councillor Cawcran intends to propose recommendations. Thank you Madam Mayor, and thanks to the WIPS and the Democratic Services team who've worked to produce this. And Madam Mayor, am I allowed to give an acceptance speech at some point in the agenda? I will ask for advice on that one. Thank you. Yes, forgive me. I think I should have asked for that at the end of the previous section. So on this occasion, if we could carry on with this, what we're discussing now, and then allow both the leader and Deputy Leader to say a few words at the end. Okay. Is that all right with your members? Yes. So Councillor Gorman, I believe you intend to second these recommendations. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Yes, I intend to second the recommendations. Thank you. Are there any speakers on this item? No speakers. So we go straight to the vote. All those in favour? Clearly carried away again. Well, sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself again. Can you lower your hands and then any against? And then the abstentions? So it's very clearly carried. Right. So then we will return to the previous item. And first of all, I'll ask Councillor Korkram. Sorry. Hang on a minute. Just a minute. We need to hear it. Yes. Councillor Leary, before you start on that, can I ask you what is the point of order? Is it constitutional? It is constitutional, Madam Mayor. I'd like to know which procedural rule under which when an item of business on the agenda has been closed and you've formally moved on to the next item under which procedural rule you're now returning to an item to allow a Councillor to speak. Yes. Thank you, Councillor Leary. Just to be clear, there obviously are certain things which are the discretion of the chair. On this occasion, I was allowing for fact that the chair at this point is still a rather inexperienced in chairing a full council meeting and had moved on rather too swiftly. So bearing that in mind, I've used my discretion to return to allow people to speak. And I think all members will appreciate that if I wish to err on the side of caution, it would be in allowing people to speak if the subject on which they're going to speak is appropriate. I do not wish to stifle people's voices and I will apply that to everybody. So using my discretion, just briefly, if we return to the previous item and allow the leader and the Deputy who've just been elected to just say a few words. Thank you. Councillor Cawcring. Thank you, Madam Mayor. And I do think that some of the points that were made deserve a response. I would recall back in 2019, when I was first elected as Leader of the Council, I talked about how in an orchestra, everybody has to play their part in a positive way. As in an orchestra, so in our political system, there will be discourse, but debate done well is not simply about making a noise, but about achieving improved outcomes. The committee system is a real test of that. Our committee members using it to van their own drum, or to contribute to achieving a better result for residents across Cheshire East. In 2019, I reached out to all Councillors to work constructively together. Madam Mayor, mindful of your remarks earlier, I repeat that invitation now. Senior officers have been mentioned, and I would like to pay tribute to the senior officers who have left in the last year and those who've replaced them. Moreno-Donald and Alex Thompson both moved on enhancing their careers. Whilst I was sorry to see them go, and I am pleased for them. The local government family only looks big from the outside, and those who have left will spread the message that people enjoy working here at Cheshire East. People will see that you can come here and enhance your career. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world, and who could dispute that being here in Tatton Park. I welcome Rob Polkinkorn and Adele Taylor. Cheshire East is a great place to live and work, and I look forward to serving as leader of Cheshire East Council for another year. And finally, I congratulate crew Alexander FC, the railway men, on reaching the league to play off final. I wish all those travelling from crew to Wembley on Sunday, a safe journey there, and a happy journey home. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Councillor Gorman, please. Thank you, Madam Mayor. In the interests of brevity, I'll just say a few words. The focus is on stability, and the focus is on the transformation agenda. We all really need to work together to make sure we achieve the goals of that transformation agenda. It's an ambitious agenda that we'll be setting out, and we need to support the officers in doing that. A recent meeting of corporate policy, I asked members to reflect on a song by a local Manchester combo called Oasis, which is Don't Look Back in Anger. And I'd like you to reflect, perhaps, on the words of those songs, and hopefully, as a council, we can, at last, please, I beg you, move on from the past. And let's build a better future together. I'd also like you to, perhaps, if I could also borrow from the canon of another favourite combo of mine, a canned heat. There were a West Coast American band, which some of you may have heard of, and they had a hit single called Let's Work Together. So, I'd like to recommend that song to you as well. That's all I have to say. Thanks very much indeed for voting for me. I'm looking forward to working with you all in the next year. Thank you. Thank you. Now we will move on to item 12 on pages 41 to 44. This relates to the appointment of chairs and vice chairs. At the time of agenda publication, the appendix to the report was not available. The appendix has been emailed to members and circulated around the chamber. Councillor Cairn, I understand that you intend to propose the recommendations, but in doing so, I believe you will correct an error in the paperwork, and that the vice chair of the appointments committee should be Councillor Michael Gorman, and not Councillor David Jeffery, as shown in the paperwork. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'm happy to so propose. Councillor Gorman, I understand that you tend to second the motion. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'm happy to second. Thank you. Are there any speakers on this item? No speakers. Councillor CORE, do you wish to sum up before moving to the vote? I'm just thinking through the logical issues there of how can I sum up when nobody has spoken. I'm happy to move to the vote, Madam Mayor. Yes, I think we'll—I'll have a few faux pas during this meeting, and I'm quite happy for people to point them out to me so that I can remember them next time. Thank you. Sometimes that's the problem with having notes in front of you. They don't always allow for slightly different circumstances. Okay, so we will move straight to the vote then. All those in favour? Councillors interjecting. Any votes against? Any vote? Any abstentions? The vote was clearly carried. Item 13, pages 45-58. This relates to the recommendation of the Corporate Policy Committee in relation to the Review of Committee Structure. This matter has involved quite wide coverage with members, including an all-member workshop. The exercise was very helpful, and I thank members for their participation. I should perhaps mention one specific issue relating to recommendation 8 on page 45. Reports for noting. A members' hub will be created and will be used to hold reports for noting. Members will receive a Modern.gov alert. Each time a noting report is added to the hub. I hope members will agree that this will be a helpful innovation which will save members and officers' time in committee meetings. Councillor Corcoran, I believe you intend to propose the recommendations. I could so propose and reserve the right to speak, Madam Mayor. Councillor Gorman, I believe you intend to second the recommendations. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I intend to second the recommendations. Thank you. Are there any speakers? Councillor Gabbner, Councillor Cloughs? Any more speakers? Councillor Gabbner. Thank you. Madam Mayor and may I officially congratulate you on your position as Mayor and may you have a wonderful year? I am only concerned about one item on the proposition, and that relates to the aforementioned item 8. I recognise the decision to have these documents put on a member hub. However, we are an open council, and I want to know how the members of the public are going to be able to see those reports and understand the decisions that have effectively been taken by officers. I have no problem with to note items. I would have preferred that they remained on a public agenda and that they were dealt with in the second part of a meeting, I don't mean in a closed part, I mean in the second half of a meeting when all the decision making had been taken. Because I think the current system, there is no differentiation, and so therefore you could have a two note item as item, the first or second item on a discursive agenda, and then a very depth item to be considered for voting at the next stage, or even at the end of a meeting, which is not a good way of working. It should be those matters for which we have to make a decision, which should always be first, and those which we are only noting or asking cursory questions should come at the end of a meeting. I am disappointed that we, with the recommendation, I'm afraid for that reason, I cannot vote in favour of it. I do believe that the committee system would benefit from having a review to see the way which it operates, but I do not believe that this decision itself is good for democracy, because putting things on a hub, I work full time, many of you work full time. That means when those pings come through, you won't necessarily be aware of them, and that means you're going to have to look for them, and we are all busy, those of us, one of us, whether we work or not, and it's not always possible for you to go and check things, through, particularly if it's about being on holiday or something, and you've already got loads of emails to action, it makes it very difficult. If they're on an agenda, we all know where to go to look for them, and if we are at a meeting and we don't understand something, we have the opportunity to ask questions, and that's the reason why it regrets the decision that's being taken, to remove them from agendas and to vote, so I will be voting against. Thank you. Councillor GARDNER, at this point, I will turn to my officer, David Brown, to respond. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Councillor GARDNER has made a number of points. If I can give some reassurance in relation to some of them, although obviously I can't enter into the debate, but firstly, there will still be some noting reports that must go to committee. So, for example, financial reports are matters that will have to go to committee, as are things such as the risk reports. So there will still be some, but very limited, noting reports at committee under this proposal. The second point about access by members of the public, the report that are placed on the hub for Councillors' perusal, will have the same modern gov access as the current private and public access to all other reports. So although we not be on a formal agenda, it will be accessible by the public unless it would essentially have been a part two report in any event. So those same access provisions will arise. So, in respect to the factual elements, I hope that assists. Thank you. Councillor CLOUDS. Thank you. First of all, I welcome some of the elements of this paper and the recommendations in terms of the notice of motion I brought to the forecounsel in December, which covered a lot of these elements. In particular, I note that the scrutiny committee will be retained, and I think that is a very definite step in the right direction in terms of democracy. But I too share concerns about item eight, recommendation eight. And whilst I hear what the monitoring officer says about the Council's open data and transparency web page, I would actually ask how many members of the public know anything about it or how to access it, or what they might find if they were looking for something specific. At least when it's put on the minutes of a particular committee agenda, let's for example say you are looking for something in relation to highways and transport, at least you have a clue as to where to look for that kind of information. I think there is a whole issue here about communicating with the public, and I would actually add another element into that, and that is where questions are asked at committee and written responses are promised in response. But the public never get to see what those responses to those important questions actually were. So I think there is still work to be done here, and I think there are real issues for public transparency in terms of what is suggested, and consequently, I would be happy to vote for the others, but I cannot vote for number eight in its current format. Thank you. Councillor CURM, would you like to sum up? Thank you Madam Mayor, and you took the words out of my mouth in your introduction about item eight. I would say that this came about as a result of complaints from some opposition members, that there were too many papers for noting on council agendas. So this was a response to a complaint from opposition members, and the proposal being put forward had cross-party support at the Corporate Policy Committee meeting. I can give a personal view as to how I hope this will work. We do have briefing meetings for Councillors before committee meetings, and I would hope that some of those papers for noting that all members of the committee will have read before the briefing meetings can be discussed at the briefing meetings. So it's not that we are trying to stifle debate on those, but if there is information in those that Councillors of that committee wish to discuss, there is an opportunity to do so at the briefing meetings. And I think those could be more positive discussions because they will be outside of the public glare, and we won't have items coming to committee meetings when there is no decision to be taken on them because the paper is simply for noting. So we will see how it works out, and I'm minded of the Democratic Services Office saying that the Constitution is a living document. We may well be back here in a year's time with further refinements. Thank you. We will now move to the vote. Those voting for please raise your hands. [ Pause ] [ Pause ] And those voting against. [ Pause ] And those abstaining. [ Pause ] That is very clearly carried. [ Pause ] Item 14. This is on the agenda at pages 59 and 70. Recommendations from the Corporate Policy Committee proposed changes to the Constitution. Councillor Caulkern, I believe you intend to propose the recommendations. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Happy to so propose. Councillor Gorman, I believe you intend to second the recommendations. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Happy to second the proposals. Any speakers? No speakers. In that case, Councillor Cawkern, I will not ask you to sum up. And we will move on to the next item. Oh, no. Oh, dear me, when I try and correct one mistake and make another, do forgive me. It was so quick on that since the last vote. All right, well, here we are again. Those voting for, please. That is clearly carried. Any votes against? I see two against. And any abstentions? Oh, yes, abstentions, please. So we can have the numbers, please, Mr. Reed. Madam Mayor, the clear show of hands from the Chamber, sure that it was clearly carried with two against and six abstentions. Thank you. Moving on to item 16, 15, or on 15. Item 15, recommendation from Highways and Transport Committee. A500 crew corridor approval of supplementary estimate. This relates to the recommendations of the Highways and Transport Committee. On the agenda, it relates to pages 71 to 88. And this is in relation to approval of a supplementary capital estimate relating to the a 500 corridor. Councillor Goldsmith, I believe that you intend to propose the recommendations. Councillor, Councillor Crane, I believe you intend to second the recommendation. Thank you. Are there any speakers on this supplementary estimate? Councillor Bulman. Councillors. Councillors. Cloughs and. Bulman. Goldsmith. Goldsmith. Right. Thank you. Okay. So first of all. Councillor. Councillor Cloud. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Obviously, this is to accept a supplementary capital estimate for 2.435 million for a new capital scheme. Related to the a 500 corridor, subsequent to the loss of HS2 monies and the dueling of the a 500 scheme that preceded it. I spoke at the highways committee and it is mentioned in the minutes here. But on behalf of the residents of the surrounding villages around this point, I would like to repeat again a request that mechanisms within the new design of this scheme take into account measures to prevent this traffic. We are at running through the villages of western, bottomly, Inglessey and the new approaches to new housing developments as part of the South Asia growth village. I did ask that question. I have had a very useful and helpful response from officers on all other parts of those questions, but not on the redesign element. So if that could be done, I would be most grateful as with the residents that I have mentioned. And I am speaking here today as well on behalf of Councillor Edgar and Councillor Heeler, rather than have three people make the same speech. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor, and thank you for saving time there. But can I just remind all members that at the moment, we are looking at page 71 and we are looking at the recommendation from the highways and transport committee. And that this is in relation only to the approval of a supplementary estimate. I allowed you, Councillor, to make your point because I understand, you know, that feelings do run high on these matters. So in that case, again, I was using my discretion, but we should be concentrating on that recommendation. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you. I hope this is relevant because it is, I think, relevant because I am comparing the treatments of the A500 with the middle, which Eastern Biopilot. Yeah, I am going to stop you there because I do have to stress that in itself, I think what you are going on to say is a matter for the highway. It is a matter for the highways committee, and we are only dealing here with the supplementary estimate only. So I am going to ask to go on to the next speaker in that case, and I am going to ask speakers to not introduce other subjects into this. It is about the money for the middle which Eastern Biopilot, which is comparative. So if it is about the finance, then please continue. Thank you. So I have nothing against the A500, but I would like to point out that there is a great inequity in the treatment by government of this project and better the middle which Eastern Biopilot. And yet the government has been prepared to throw money at the A500 project, the middle which Eastern Biopilot, which has a solid business case that was submitted in November 23, is being denied funding, is being held back. Nothing has changed since November. The business case is just as good. So why, why is this happening? And I am afraid it feels like a cynical and deliberate delay, and obvious sort of leveling down, because middle which is no longer in the Congolts and Conservative held constituency. Now I expect we will hear that that 57 million previously promised by government and celebrated by Fiona Bruce has been allocated to a conservative marginal to help them with the election. Now we are middle which middle which are now in the middle. Give me Councilwoman, I am at this point going to interrupt and bring us back strictly to the supplementary estimate. I'm going to ask you to not speak anymore, but I'm going to ask Council. Yes, Councillor Crane did reserve the right to speak, so I do want to go to Councillor Crane and then I'll be going to Councillor Goldsmith to sum up. Yes, you will be the - sorry, are you saying that Councillor Crane doesn't want to speak? Yes, she does, and then it will be Councillor Goldsmith afterwards to sum up. So Councillor Crane, thank you. Thank you Madam Mayor, I always want to speak, you know that. Can I have my name to the list of those who've congratulated you on your appointment today? Congratulations. So I'm more than happy to second this item, and I must thank the government for having the good grace to allow us to completely redesign the scheme after dropping as in it after cancelling HS2 and ripping up the business case that was there originally. The item before us today gives us the opportunity to get the best out of the scheme designed for the borough, and also in the longer term increases the funding opportunities available to us to deliver the best final product, so I do hope all members will raise their hands in support. Thank you. Thank you. Final speaker, Councillor Goldsmith. The introduction of HS2 was key to the original business case for a new dual carriage weight on the A500 between crew and the M6. So when HS2 was cancelled, the justification for this improvement went with it. So work on the project was stopped because it was clear it would not have been funded by the Department for transport. However, we now have an opportunity to develop a new business case for this scheme and to reapply for funding. The A500 is a key road that links large manufacturing companies and housing developments all across the Midlands. The only part of the road that is not already a dual carriage weight is the section in crew. Therefore, there's a strong alternative financial case for this to be installed, and the Department for transport acknowledges this by agreeing to fund the £2.4 million cost necessary to create a new outline business case. At that point, Cheshire's Councillors will choose whether to progress the scheme or not. Today's vote does not bind us in that future decision. It only gets us to that stage when Councillors will decide if the benefits of the new scheme, the chance of success and the cost of the council means we should submit it to the DFT. Preparing this new business case will mean a two-year delay. However, the building work is likely to be considerably cheaper for Cheshire East to fund than the original proposal. This is because the new application can now ask the DFT to fund all 100% of the build cost and it will be valued at today's construction rates, so avoiding the inflation increase that Cheshire East was previously responsible for. That would mean a £35 million saving to Cheshire East. So today we are beginning with the opportunity to accept the £2.4 million grant and to start again, so we get a second chance to improve the A500 for crew and to deliver a scheme that is long overdue. Therefore, I'm happy to propose this motion and we'll be voting to support it. Thank you. We will now move to the vote. All those in favour please raise their hand. And that is clearly carried. Are there any against? And none and any abstentions? Thank you. Item 16, recommendation from Children and Families Committee, Household Support Fund Grant, approval of supplementary estimate. This is on pages 89 to 104. Councillor Batron, I believe you intend to propose the recommendations. And Councillor Gilman, I believe that you intend to second the recommendations. Any speakers? Councillor SONDERS. Councillor BORMOND. Councillor SONDERS. Thank you Madam Mayor and many congratulations. First of all, I'm delighted that we're being given this grant from government who wouldn't be. We're always happy to accept government grants. The only issue I had with it was that it proposed that a percentage of it was given to food banks, a huge supporter of food banks. I would have preferred that it went directly to the families who are in need. And that's my only caveat, but I will be wholeheartedly supporting acceptance of this grant. Thank you. Councillor BORMOND. Thank you Madam Mayor. I hear what Councillor SONDERS says. I'm happy to propose the recommendations as they stand. This is a very welcome grant. It's 2.2 million pounds, every penny of which is needed. We have 600,000 children in poverty, likely to be another 100,000 added to that list this year. We know the food banks are, the demand for them is increasing. And if they will only receive the money, once our officers have distributed to our most vulnerable families, they do know who our most vulnerable people are. They know the households that are needy. In previous iterations of this, I think vouchers have been given to schools. There have also been other ways of distributing. Only, I think, 26% of vouchers were not taken up. So this is a way of ensuring, really, that the money does go to all those who are truly vulnerable. It has never been needed more. It will come to an end, I believe, in August. Any councillor or any professional person who knows of a vulnerable family, young or old person, can fill in the online form for that person and claim help. It doesn't just have to be food vouchers. It can be white goods. It can be whatever that family needs to get them to a better position. So this new way of distributing is a bit of a cliche now, but it's blobbing the jam, not spreading the jam. We know where the real need is, and it can make a real difference if you put sufficient support in. So I'm happy to make the recommendations as I stand. I think the recommendations are on page 97 at 9.1, it explains the distribution. Thank you. Councillor Gillman, can I just check, did you want to add anything? Thank you. So we can move to the vote. Please raise your hands if you're in favour. Again, very clearly carried any against. That's very clearly carried. So any against? None. Add any abstentions? None. Thank you. Item 17 on pages 105-108 relates to the appointments to the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel and to the Cheshire Fire Authority. Cheshire Police and Crime Panel. I believe that Councillors Steve Edgar, Rob Morton and Judy Snowball have been nominated for appointment to the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel, and that there is a proposal for a nominated substitute who is Councillor Stewart Gardner. Councillor Corcoran, I believe that you intend to propose the nominations. Happy to so propose, Madam Mayor. Councillor Gorman, I believe that you intend to second the nominations. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Happy to second the nominations. Are there any speakers on this item? Councillor Cloughs and Councillor Gardner. Thank you. Councillor Cloughs. It's just a question for clarity, really. On paragraph six, where it identifies the names of those on the Peace and Crime Panel, it speaks of Mick Warren on there, but he gave a different name. Has there been a change? What page is you looking at? Page 106. Paragraph six. Paragraph six. Yes, Mr. Reed could explain that. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I believe that the names that you announced, i.e. Councillor Steve Edgar, Councillor Rob Morton and Councillor Judy Snowball with Councillor Stewart Gardner. Were the names that we received, but now is an opportunity for anyone to indicate if they feel that there has been an error in that. You are correct, Brian. The names that were read out are those that are going forward. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Councillor Warren, for we wouldn't want to leave you off if you were meant to be on it. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Councillor Gardner, thank you. You're doing very well, Madam Mayor. I'd like to thank Councillor Warren for giving me the opportunity to attend one of these meetings recently. I found it very worthwhile. I felt that I actually put something into the meeting. I would like, I understand that we are the secretariat for that group. And I would like us to encourage our partner authorities to ensure that they have arrangements for deputies to attend. Because I was disappointed that several people were not present and deputies from those councils were not sent. I think it's a very worthwhile committee. And I think that that would be a good way forward to ensure that there was full representation from all partners. Thank you. Councillor Cawcring, do you want to sum up? I'm happy to move to the vote, Madam Mayor. Thank you. So, although it's in favour. Clearly carried. Any against any abstentions? Right. So, moving to the Cheshire Fire Authority. To the appointments, I believe that Councillors Rachel Bailey, John Byrd, David Brown, Peter Cohen, Laura Crane, Nick Mannion, Jeff Smith, Margaret Simon and Mick Warren have been nominated for appointment to the Cheshire Fire Authority. Councillor Cawcring, I believe you intend to propose the nominations. Happy to so propose. Councillor Gorman, I believe you intend to second the nominations. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Happy to second. Are there any speakers, please? So, we'll move to the vote. All those in favour? Carried. Any against? Sorry, I think some people have had their hands still up. So, can I just ask again, any against? None against. And any abstentions? None. Thank you. Item 18 of the agenda on pages 109-114 relates to the appointments to the adoption panel, the fostering panel and the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System Joint Scrutiny Committee. The adoption panel, I believe that Councillor Brian Podecum has been nominated as the representative on the adoption panel. Councillor Cawcring, I believe that you intend to propose the nomination. Happy to so propose, Madam Mayor. Councillor Gorman, I believe that you intend to second the nomination. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Happy to second. Are there any speakers? Let's move to the vote then, all those in favour? Clearly carried. Any votes against? None. None. And any abstentions? Okay, so the fostering panel, I believe that Councillor Carol Bulman has been nominated as the representative on the fostering panel. Councillor Cawcring, I believe you intend to propose the nominations. Very happy to so propose. And Councillor Gorman, I believe you intend to second the nominations. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Happy to second. Thank you. Are there any speakers on this item? No speakers. There will move to the vote, all those in favour? Clearly carried. Any against? Any abstentions? On the next item, which is Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System Joint Scrutiny Committee, due to the proportionality across the nine authorities not yet being confirmed, these appointments will be made by the Scrutiny Committee as they have been in previous years. Council is not being asked to make a decision on this. So that is that item concluded, and we're on to item 19. The next item relates to the urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive on behalf of the Council as set out on page 115 of the agenda pack. Council is being asked to note that decision taken by the Chief Executive, which I assume it is content to do. As the decision has already been taken, this item is not for debate. So we now reach the end of this meeting. Members, officers and members of the public, I would like to thank you for your attendance at today's meeting. I now declare the meeting closed. Thank you. And thank you to all of you.