This week, St. Helens Council held two key meetings: the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday. Here’s a detailed look at the decisions and their implications.

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday covered several significant topics, with a primary focus on housing and public safety. One of the most impactful decisions was the approval of the cabinet response to the housing void spotlight review. This review addressed the increasing time it takes to re-let social housing properties in St. Helens. Councillor Long emphasized the importance of this issue, noting that many individuals and families are waiting for suitable, safe, and quality homes. The report highlighted several challenges, including the time required to refurbish older housing stock and the financial costs associated with vacant properties.

The committee's recommendations included providing more regular information to the registered provider forum, sharing good practices between providers, strengthening joint working to address recruitment and skill shortages, and conducting additional data analysis on empty homes. The cabinet approved these recommendations, reflecting the council's commitment to improving housing availability and quality.

Another significant decision was the approval of the contract award for the council's insurance portfolio. Councillor Bond explained that the tender process, conducted through Star Procurement, aimed to secure the best deal for the council while ensuring comprehensive coverage. This decision underscores the council's efforts to manage risks effectively and protect public assets.

The cabinet also approved revised contract procedure rules and land and property disposal procedure rules. These updates aim to ensure transparency and compliance with legislative changes, reflecting the council's commitment to good governance and accountability.

In a notable development, the cabinet approved an ambitious strategy for adult social care, introduced by Councillor Bowden. The strategy, shaped by extensive community input, aims to empower individuals to make their own decisions about care and support, improve access to information, and ensure consistency in service delivery. This aligns with the council's broader goals of promoting health, independence, and quality care services.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday focused on a review of the premises license for Maloney's bar. The review was prompted by concerns about crime and disorder associated with the venue. Merseyside Police presented evidence of several incidents, including serious assaults and antisocial behavior. The police argued that the management of Maloney's had failed to address these issues adequately, leading to significant public safety concerns.

The sub-committee heard detailed accounts of various incidents, including a serious assault on 23 May 2024, where a male was hit in the face with a glass, resulting in life-changing injuries. The police highlighted the venue's failure to report incidents promptly and provide adequate first aid. The sub-committee also reviewed the venue's compliance with licensing conditions, noting breaches related to the use of glassware and staff training.

In response, the premises license holder, Mr. Edwards, acknowledged some failings but argued that the incidents were not representative of the venue's overall operation. He proposed several measures to address the issues, including enhanced staff training, increased management presence, and stricter adherence to licensing conditions.

The sub-committee's decision on the license will be communicated in due course, but the discussions underscore the council's commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that licensed premises operate responsibly.

These meetings reflect the council's ongoing efforts to balance development, public safety, and community wellbeing. The approval of the housing void spotlight review recommendations highlights the council's focus on addressing housing needs, while the review of Maloney's bar license underscores the importance of responsible management in maintaining public safety.

This week, St. Helens Council held two key meetings, focusing on planning and strategic development. Here’s a detailed look at the decisions and their implications.

The Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday was the first of the municipal year. Councillor Glo, the new Chair, emphasized the committee's role in adhering to laws and policies to avoid costly appeals. The main topic was a planning application for 4 Haydock Park Gardens, proposing to convert a large residential dwelling into six self-contained apartments. Planning officer Alex Ball detailed the proposal, noting that the building is a large, two-and-a-half-story detached property in a low-density area with protected trees.

The proposal included various external alterations and 11 parking spaces, meeting council standards. Despite concerns from objectors like Linda Smith about increased traffic and noise, the committee approved the application unanimously, with a condition for an archaeological study due to the area's historical significance. This decision highlights the council's commitment to addressing housing needs while balancing community concerns.

The committee also approved two other applications: a two-story side extension at 9 Hays Grove and a single-story side extension at 12 Queens Drive. Both met all relevant guidelines and were approved unanimously. Additionally, the committee reviewed current planning appeals and enforcement actions, noting a successful appeal defense for the former Pilkington's HQ site. This underscores the importance of master planning for future developments, a theme we've discussed before.

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday covered several important topics, including performance indicators, safeguarding adults, and the long-term plan for Newton-le-Willows. Councillor Alert presented the performance management framework for 2024-2025, which includes 153 indicators focusing on social care, complaints, and resident satisfaction. The framework was approved, with authority delegated to the Director of Policy and Transformation to amend targets if necessary.

Councillor Bowden discussed the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report, highlighting the board's statutory duties and commitment to protecting adults at risk. The cabinet approved the report and thanked outgoing chair Ian Cardwell for his contributions. Bowden also presented the St. Helens People's Plan 2024-2027, which sets strategic priorities for health and wellbeing. The plan was approved, aligning with existing strategies and policies.

Councillor Macaulay introduced the long-term plan for Newton-le-Willows, which will receive up to £20 million in funding over 10 years. Chris Hickey was appointed as the chair of the town board, emphasizing economic empowerment. The cabinet approved the plan and the appointment, acknowledging the challenging milestones set by the government.

Councillor Long discussed changes to Hackney carriage stands in St. Helens town centre, aiming to support the trade during the town centre's transformation. The new stands will be located in high-footfall areas like Church Street and Bridge Street. The cabinet approved the recommendations, noting positive consultation outcomes with the Hackney carriage trade.

Other items included apologies for absence from Councillors Gomez-Aspron and Murphy, approval of previous meeting minutes, and no declarations of interest. The cabinet also noted the response to the spotlight review of TESSA, with recommendations to be addressed in the next Children and Young People Services Scrutiny Committee meeting.

These meetings reflect the council's ongoing efforts to balance development, public safety, and community wellbeing. The approval of the Haydock Park Gardens application highlights the council's focus on housing needs, while the long-term plan for Newton-le-Willows underscores a commitment to strategic development and economic empowerment.

This week, St. Helens Council held three meetings, addressing licensing issues and administrative changes. Here’s a detailed look at the decisions and their implications.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday focused on a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for Bar 44. Tom Glover from Bar 44 applied to extend the sale of alcohol and entertainment from 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM for a celebrity DJ event on May 27, 2024. Merseyside Police, represented by Sergeant Craig Carmichael, objected due to concerns about crime and disorder, citing past incidents of violence and antisocial behavior, particularly between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM. They argued that extending the hours would exacerbate these issues, referencing the council's licensing policy which supports a 3:00 AM closure for bars in the town center.

Tom Glover defended the application, questioning the police's criteria for determining the impact of a celebrity DJ on crime and disorder. He also pointed out that Bar 44 had previously been granted TENs for similar events without issues. However, the subcommittee decided to refuse the TEN, siding with the police's concerns about crime and disorder. This decision underscores the council's commitment to public safety and aligns with broader crime reduction initiatives funded by the Home Office.

The Constitution meeting on Wednesday did not have a video broadcast available, so details are limited.

The Council meeting on Wednesday was the annual council meeting, focusing on expressing gratitude to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Lynn Clark, and electing the new Mayor, Councillor Jeanette Banks. Councillor Clark was praised for her dedication and service, particularly her support for the Deafness Resource Center in Windall. Councillor Banks, elected as the new Mayor, expressed her commitment to serving the borough and highlighted her chosen charity, St. Helens Young Carers.

Councillor Jeannie Bell was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. The meeting also included various administrative tasks such as approving the minutes of the previous meeting, noting apologies for absence, and discussing constitutional issues and appointments to committees and outside bodies for 2024-2025. The new leader of the council, Councillor Gomez-Aspron, outlined the council's priorities, including supporting children and young people, protecting vulnerable residents, promoting growth, and modernizing town centres.

These meetings reflect the council's ongoing efforts to balance public safety, administrative efficiency, and community engagement. The refusal of the TEN for Bar 44 highlights the council's prioritization of crime prevention, a theme we've discussed before. The annual council meeting marks a transition in leadership, with new priorities set for the coming year.

This week, St. Helensborough Council convened four significant meetings, addressing a range of issues from infrastructure upgrades to licensing policies. Here's a detailed look at the decisions and their implications for our community.

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday was particularly impactful, focusing on three major areas: infrastructure, community safety, and environmental protection. The council approved an upgrade to the town's water system, which, despite concerns about the financial burden, promises improved water quality and reliability. This decision likely means an increase in local taxes but is a crucial step towards ensuring public health and safety.

In community safety, a new policing program was introduced to enhance security and foster better police-resident relationships, despite some privacy concerns. This initiative is a stride towards reducing crime through community engagement.

Environmental concerns were also addressed with the adoption of stricter local regulations to curb industrial pollution. This move, driven by a council member's last-minute support citing health issues from pollution, marks a significant step towards sustainable practices, though it may pose challenges for local businesses.

On Thursday, the Licensing Sub-Committee rejected a request to extend operating hours at Maloney's bar for a boxing match event, citing police data that linked extended hours to higher crime rates. This decision reaffirms the council's commitment to public safety over business interests, highlighting the ongoing tension between fostering a vibrant nightlife and ensuring community security.

The same day, the Licensing and Environmental Protection Committee discussed modernizing taxi licensing and vehicle testing procedures. Changes include a new training course for taxi drivers and allowing vehicle testing at any approved station, followed by a council inspection. These decisions aim to streamline processes and maintain high service standards, though they might reduce council income from testing fees.

Lastly, the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on Monday reviewed the year's activities and financial forecasts, addressing the impact of a recruitment freeze on service delivery and staff workload. The council's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals was also reaffirmed, despite local challenges.

These meetings reflect the council's efforts to balance community welfare, economic interests, and environmental sustainability. Each decision carries implications for public safety, service efficiency, and the local economy, underscoring the complex interplay of governance, community needs, and global standards.