Consultation archive 2016

Consultation on garages in Tanhouse and Digmoor

We invited views on garages in Tanhouse and Digmoor. The consultation closed on 9 December 2016 and the results are under consideration.

Interim Polling Review

In October 2016 the Polling Districts and Polling Places Review Committee decided to review the arrangements for the BEC Polling District within Burscough East Ward and also the WRD Polling District within Wrightington Ward. consultation closed on 22 December 2016.

Private sector housing strategy

Residents, service users and local organisations were invited to give their views on the Private Sector Housing Strategy 2017-2020. The new strategy sets the aims and objectives for improving standards in the private housing sector. The closing date for comments was 18 November 2016.

Meeting the budget challenge 2016

We invited residents and community groups to give their views on policy options for making savings, efficiencies and increases in income to balance the budget for 2017/18. The surveys closed on 4 September. At its meeting on 19 October 2016, the Council made decisions to:

  • Introduce an annual charge of £30 to collect garden waste from next year
  • Charge £25 per year per bin to have an extra green bin emptied
  • Remove static recycling sites across the Borough
  • Reduce the time period for discretionary Council Tax discounts on empty properties
  • Reduce the car allowances paid to staff and Councillors for business mileage

Councillors also agreed not to cease garden waste collections during the winter, and deferred decisions on a range of matters including: modest reductions in the number of CCTV cameras in the lowest priority areas and in live monitoring in off-peak periods; a  review of street cleaning work; new approach to public toilet provision.

Survey for Council tenants

The Council invited tenants to give their views on options for making savings for housing services. The consultation closed on 4 September and the Council made decisions at its meeting on 19 October 2016 and approved a £6 million package of measures to tackle the gap in the housing budget.

CCTV camera

We invited people to give their views on the proposed location for a new CCTV camera in Skelmersdale. The new camera will bring the total number operated by the Council in West Lancashire to 106. The cameras are monitored 24/7 and play a vital role in helping prevent crime and disorder, reducing the fear of crime and increasing public safety.

The camera will be located at Acregate, Little Digmoor, outside the convenience store and near to the entrance of the play area. The location was suggested by Lancashire Constabulary and is supported by evidence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. It is hoped that the camera will be installed by early summer.

Taxi Licensing Policy

Following recent consultation we have developed a licensing policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators. This policy statement was approved by the council’s Licensing and Appeals Committee on 2 February 2016 and is effective from 1 April 2016.

Ormskirk town centre market research

Ormskirk residents and businesses were invited to share their views to help the Council and key stakeholders to build a consistent identity and brand for Ormskirk which coordinates all activity and ensures a vibrant and prosperous future for the town. This is one of the key actions within the Ormskirk Town Centre Strategy.

Provision for Traveller Sites Development Plan Document

We consulted on the draft Provision for Traveller Sites Development Plan Document (DPD) from 3 December 2015 to 29 January 2016. We are now processing the comments received and intend to prepare a 'Publication' version of the Traveller Sites DPD later in 2016.

Citizen and Stakeholder Survey 2016

Residents and community groups were invited to give their views on spending priorities, community safety and satisfaction with important services in the annual consultation. The survey closed on 20 March.

Meeting the budget challenge

Residents, organisations and businesses were invited to give their views on the Borough Council’s policy options for making savings, efficiencies and increases in income to balance the budget for 2016/17. Consultation ran until 10 January 2016. The results of the consultation were considered by the Council at its meeting on 24 February 2016. The Council resolved to include the policy options in the 2016/16 budget with the exception of option PO5, charging for green waste collection.

Leisure Strategy and Playing Pitch Strategy

The Council at its meeting on 21 October 2015 approved a draft Leisure Strategy and a draft Playing Pitch Strategy for consultation. Public consultation ran from Monday 2 November 2015 until Sunday 10 January 2016. The Council approved both strategies at its meeting in February 2016.

Financial Inclusion Strategy

We consulted on a draft Council Tenants' Financial Inclusion Strategy, consultation ended on 31 October 2015. The strategy aims to help our most vulnerable and financially excluded tenants, supporting them to manage better financially. The Strategy was revised in response to the comments received and reported to Cabinet in January 2016.