Councillors from across Sefton gathered at Bootle town hall for a full council meeting last night.
Postponed from earlier this month due to the death of the Queen, the monarch’s passing was first on the agenda, with leaders across the political groupings paying tribute before launching into a packed agenda.
From the criminal records of councillors to air quality in the borough, graphic depictions of trickle-down economics to the dangers of disposable barbecues, here’s five things we learnt from last night’s meeting.
READ MORE: People in criminal world 'aren't happy' after Olivia's murder
1. Health inequalities are getting worse in Sefton
This came up twice – in a question submitted by Labour councillor Greg Myers and in a motion submitted by Liberal democrat leader Cllr John Pugh.
The data shows huge gaps between the richest and poorest parts of the borough in terms of life expectancy.
This internal health gap is “one of the highest in the country, which is concerning” according to a report produced by cabinet member for health, Cllr Ian Moncur in response to Cllr Myers question on whether the scale of health inequalities in Sefton was “exceptional.”
2. Disposable barbecues are a “real problem” in Formby
A motion by independent councillor David Irving, asking the council to call on the government for an outright ban, passed following a Labour amendment to the wording.
Cllr Irving said he had been “really concerned” over the summer with the amount of barbecues at Formby, despite a council ban. He cited various recent fires and concerns over the threat to red squirrel habitat in Formby.
Cllr Maria Bennett said: “nobody is listening” to the council’s public space protection order.
Cllr Les Byrom, who proposed the amendment to Cllr Irving’s original wording, said: “these tinfoil boxes are deadly” adding: “these need primary legislation.”
3. Councillors don’t need criminal record checks
Conservative leader, Cllr Prendergast put forward a motion seeking to change this, calling for basic DBS checks to be carried out – although the motion failed with no support elsewhere in the council.
4. Local NHS trusts now have Freedom of the borough in Sefton
This was a motion put forward by conservative Cllr Sir Ron Watson last night. After being unanimously approved by councillors, it means Aintree and Liverpool NHS Foundation Trust, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust and Mersey Care NHS Trust all now have Freedom of the Borough in Sefton.
5. The mayor can talk really fast
Announcing a series of board appointments at lightening speed, Sefton’s mayor Cllr Claire Carragher elicited cheers from across the chamber for her performance, which barely drew breath.
She finished the list of appointments with a plea to councillors: “stay where you are for a while, please.”
READ NEXT:
Phone companies blasted for 'confusing' Sefton residents
'Eyesore’ doggy daycare knocked back over ‘incessant’ barking fears
'Frightening' cost of living crisis being treated like pandemic
Social workers being offered over £100k by agencies 'feeding into' recruitment woes
Plan to improve 'terrible' children's services handed to Ofsted
