Consultation archive 2013

Balancing the budget

The Council invited local people and organisations to give their views on proposals to make savings, efficiencies and increases in income. The consultation closed on 11 September 2013 and the Council met in October 2013 to make final decisions.

Gypsy and Traveller Sites

The Council is required by national planning policy to ensure that there are enough sites available in West Lancashire to meet the needs of the travelling community. This includes Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. In September 2013, the Council carried out a 'call for sites' exercise. We will assess all sites that have been submitted to us, along with other sites which were previously brought to our attention. The most suitable sites will be shortlisted, and will feed into a planning document that the Council is preparing. This document will allocate specific sites in West Lancashire for the travelling community.

Your West Lancs 2027

The Inspector consulted on all the Main Modifications (affecting both strategic and land allocation policies and development management policies) to the Local Plan 2012 - 2027. Consultation ran for six weeks, from 27 June until 9 August 2013. Following receipt of the Inspector's Report on 26 September 2013, the Council adopted the Local Plan 2012-2027 on 16 October 2013.

Citizen and Stakeholder Survey 2013

In January and February 2013, we invited residents, and representatives of local organisations and businesses, to give their views. The results of the surveys are available.

Council tax on empty properties

We made proposals to change the council tax discounts and exemptions on empty properties and sought residents' views . All comments received were considered by the Council and the changes came into effect from April 2013. 

Changes to Council Tax Benefit

The Council carried out consultation in relation to the Council Tax benefit changes and invited local people and organisations to give their views. Council Tax Benefit was abolished from April 2013 and replaced with a local scheme of Council Tax Support.

Sustainable Energy Strategy

Improving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions across West Lancashire is important to the council. To help achieve this aim, we invited  comments on our draft Sustainable Energy Strategy.

Design awards 2013

We invited people to nominate their favourite building or development  for the 2013 West Lancashire Design Awards.

List of locally important buildings

We invited people to suggest their favourite local landmark or building for inclusion on the Borough Council’s list of locally important buildings.

Tell us what’s important to you

The Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees invited local residents to submit ideas to be included in their work programmes.