Any declarations not already registered

Councillor Horwood declared for reasons of transparency that he worked for UK Network Power which had access rights over one of the parcels of land.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting explaining that the decisions taken by Cabinet on 19 September 2023, relating to the disposals of land tranche 2 had been called in by five cross party Members. Members were reminded that the purpose of the meeting was not to re-debate the item but to address matters relating to the decision that had not already been covered elsewhere, the rationale for the decision and whether it took into account all relevant information available at the time.

The Chairman invited one of the signatories to address the Committee. In addressing the Committee, Members were advised that the decision was called-in to look at the process, consultation, discretion and priorities of the Council. As well as to consider whether the process undertaken was transparent in consultation, had considered all the options available to Cabinet in regards to disposing of the land, and the policies of the Council. The Chairman allowed for further Members of the signatories and Scrutiny Committee to raise questions for the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance & Investment to respond to.

In response to questions regarding emails, the Leader advised that she was unable to comment on emails three and four contained within the supplementary agenda as they were not emails that were sent to officers and the top and tail information was missing. She was however, aware that emails had been sent to local Members and the parish clerks on 3^rd and 4^th August 2023, and the Officer had concluded the email with “if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.” This opened the dialogue for any conversation to take place. In regards to emails one and two as provided in the supplementary agenda, it stated that “in principle, Leigh Parish Council has no objection.”

She further responded to the questions by advising that concerns had been well debated at Finance & Investment Advisory Committee (FIAC) and at Cabinet. At the Cabinet meeting she had allowed for extensive questioning from Members not on the Committee in order to allow for full understanding of concerns. It was debated at the time and she as Chair was satisfied that all concerns and correspondence had been addressed, and so moved the recommendation as set out within the Cabinet papers. The Leader further informed the Committee that the Council was not obliged to seek views on the disposal of this land, but at other times it was essential this was carried out. She was satisfied that it was well debated, and it was a financial decision based on good practice and the Council’s legal duty, as well as following the council’s own process. Officers had considered all the options before putting it forward as the best option to dispose of. The land at Fostall, Leigh was not recognised Green Space nor Green Belt land.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance & Investment further confirmed that they were aware of the concerns following FIAC and had challenged officers with regards to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.