Agenda and minutes

To carry out the roll call and receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs D Cassidy, Endsor, V Hughes, Robinson, Simpkins and D Taylor.

To receive declarations of interest by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda, and to consider any dispensations.

Members may however, also decide, in the interests of clarity and transparency, to declare at this point in the meeting, any such disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, as well as any other registrable or other interests.

There were no declarations of interest made on this occasion.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration on any item on the agenda.

That the press and public be not excluded during consideration of any items on the agenda today.

To consider the minutes from the previous meeting held on 21 September 2023.

The approval of the minutes as amended were proposed by Cllr Rathbone and seconded by Cllr Archibald.

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 September 2023 be agreed with the following amendments:

To note that Councillor Evans attended the meeting.

To add the names of Ms C Whalley and Mr M Vasic in Officers attendance.

On Minute No 44 – question from Cllr Dew – correct from “regarding the A56 MTP” to “regarding the A66 NTP”.

On Minute No 44 – Question by Members – remove the 2^nd “asked” after “Services”.

To receive any questions or statement which have been received from members of the public and to receive any petitions.

(note questions or statement must be received in writing (including email) by the Council at least 3 clear working days before the day of the meeting (not including the day of the meeting). So, for example, if the meeting is on Tuesday requests must be received by 11.59 pm on the previous Wednesday by the person named on the front of the agenda.  Petitions must have been presented to the Monitoring Officer 9 working days before the date of this meeting to be valid).

The Chair reported that a question had been received from a member of the public.

Mr Jonathan Davies commented that on 1 April 2023 Westmorland and Furness Council became the local council and local planning authority replacing Eden District Councils, South Lakeland Council and Barrow Council along with Cumbria County Council for the area of the new Westmorland and Furness District.

One of the first actions of the new council was to equalise council tax across the district resulting in a substantial increase for the Eden area but was claimed to be required to make things equal across the new district.

However, things were not equal across the new district in terms of planning and funding from developments as communities in the south of the district benefit from substantial amounts of funding from Community infrastructure levies known as a CiL.

Despite lobbying of the former Eden District Council by Clifton Community Council and others on the need to implement a CiL it was never delivered resulting in local community across Eden missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding that could benefit community directly.

In June Westmorland and Furness Council had handed over one hundred and twenty thousand pounds to ten parish councils in the south of the Westmorland and Furness District because those areas had a CiL despite Westmorland and Furness Council now being the single Local Planning Authority and District Council for the whole area, there was a clear disparity of policy and support for communities in the North of the District who were missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of potentially community benefiting funds from the hundreds of houses that had been developed in the local area. Westmorland and Furness Council had not harmonised its policies around Planning and implemented a district wide CiL.

As Westmorland and Furness Council was now the local planning authority and district council covering all of the former Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow Council areas as the local government district now called Westmorland and Furness, would the Council pledge to level up for residents and the communities especially those across Eden that currently feel like the poor North and implement a community infrastructure Levy like the south of the new Westmorland and Furness district was converted by.

The Chair thanked Mr Davies for his question and asked Cllr J Brook the Leader of the Council to respond.

In response to the question the Leader of the Council responded that in addition to reading out the response to the question he would also provide a written response, as the information was of a detailed and technical nature.

A Community Infrastructure Levy or CIL, was a charge on new developed floorspace and was used to fund the delivery of infrastructure to enable development that was proposed in a Local Plan.

CIL could only be introduced, through a Local Plan process. It needed to be approved by a Planning Inspector, following an Independent Examination. Any such CIL proposal had to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

To receive any announcements from the Chair, Leader, Members of Cabinet or the Chief Executive.

The Chair asked Members to observe a minutes silence for the former Leader of Cumbria County Council Eddie Martin who had recently passed away.

Cllr Carrick the Leader of the Conservative Group paid tribute to Eddie Martin, followed by the Leader of the Council and Cllr Burns on behalf of the Labour Group.

Members had been emailed a copy of the Chair and Vice Chair engagements undertaken since the previous meeting.

The Chair informed Members that Anna Gorst had won Cumbria Woman of the Year for the remarkable work she did on behalf of the Ukrainian refugees.

The Chair also announced that he had selected Springfield Domestic Abuse Support in South Lakeland as his chosen charity. The charity was based in South Cumbria and they had a highly skilled and dedicated team who provided a range of services and tailored support to clients who were affected by all types’ of domestic abuse.

He had also attended this year’s Remembrance Day events and was delighted that Members and Armed Forces Champions had supported events across the Council including Barrow, Eden and South Lakes.

The Leader of the Council gave a statement about the Highways Teams in Westmorland and Furness Council and thanked them for their hard work in response to Storm Debi.

He then reflected on the scale of the challenges and opportunities that the Council faced, and reiterated the need for us all to work together for the benefit of our residents and businesses right across the geographic footprint.

The Leader then updated members on the recent visit of Princess Anne to the sod cutting at the new Campus of the University of Cumbria in Barrow, the Westmorland and Furness Tourism Summit.

The Leader would be speaking at the World Museum in Liverpool next week with other leaders and experts, at an event focussing on Scaling Up to Reach Net Zero.

Over the last few days Westmorland and Furness Council had received over £25 million pounds of investment for our area, our residents and our communities and businesses, including:

·         The Heart of Kendal project received £13.5million from the Levelling Up Fund;

·         £5million allocated to Barrow over the next three years;

·         £7million for Penrith for the Inspiring Eden Enterprise Hub which was aimed specifically at Achieving Rural Excellence and that project would be key to unlocking and progressing, an ambitious programme to drive economic growth in Penrith, Eden and the wider rural areas; and.

·         Borderlands projects with £3m each for the renewal of Towns across our area specifically, Dalton, Ulverston and Penrith.

The Cabinet Member for Finance updated Council on the current financial health of Westmorland and Furness Council.

He reminded members that the budget was set in early March 2023, and was largely based upon the existing financial plans of the then sovereign Councils, and the existing budgets. Since vesting day on 1 April, a huge amount of work had been done to review the detail within these budgets and to align them with service responsibilities.

During Quarter 1 work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England to give a short presentation on the Electoral Review process for Westmorland and Furness Council.

A detailed presentation was given by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (Lgbce) regarding the Electoral Review of Westmorland and Furness which was then opened up for questions.

Cllr N Hughes asked whether the Lgbce would be content to receive evidence that where two parish councils sought to mutually change their boundaries that could be one reason to change the ward boundaries.

Andrew Scallan (Lead Commissioner for the Review) commented in the first instance the number of councillors needed to be established then local evidence would be taken into account such as parish councils working together.  The commission did not like to split but may join communities.

Cllr Brereton asked whether a one, two or three member ward was set in stone.  He also asked whether there was a particular ratio to aim for and did the Lgbce decide on warding arrangements.

Andrew Scallan stated that there was nothing in law to say you can’t have a four member ward but the commission’s view was that a four member ward would not work practically in terms of representation. Regarding the ratio the Council would start with an average for the area by diving the number of councillors by the projected electorate plus or minus 10% and in exceptional circumstances above 10%.  The Commission would rely on evidence received.

Cllr Archibald asked what was the difference between the current review and the review undertaken as part of Local Government Reorganisation.

Andrew Scallan stated that the Lgbce were not responsible for the number of councillors as part of Local Government Reorganisation.

Cllr Cooper asked whether 2700 electors per councillor was low.

Andrew Scallan commented that every authority was unique and was inviting the Council to comment whether it had the right number of councillors.

Cllr Filmore asked whether the size of Planning Committees could be used to determine the size of the Council as they were small in number at present.

Andrew Scallan commented that the Lgbce provided a template that allowed the Council to challenge how it operated.

Cllr Jarvis asked what was the commissions perspective on lakes and mountains.

Andrew Scallan stated that the commission had more discretion than the Parliamentary Boundary Commission and would listen to local evidence submitted.

Cllr Callister asked what if the Council determined that it required six more Councillors.

Andrew Scallan reminded Council that the electorate would be projected until 2030. The Council would need to explain why six additional councillors were required.

Cllr Rathbone ask a question about the dynamics of future growth.

Andrew Scallan stated that work around projected electorates would be undertaken in early 2024 and would take into account the Local Plan etc.

Cllr Pender asked how data was used.

Andrew Scallan commented that a checklist was available to inform why a particular area might be discrete from another area. Also due to an area being rural and isolated the ratio may be minus or plus 15 as an example.

Cllr Connell asked how absolute would the wish of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

Cabinet Minutes – 17 October 2023

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 17 October 2023 (copy enclosed).

The Leader will ask members if they have any questions on the minutes. Members should state clearly the minute number of the item concerned.

Cabinet Minutes – 14 November 2023

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 14 November 2023 (To follow).

The Leader will ask members if they have any questions on the minutes. Members should state clearly the minute number of the item concerned.

The Leader presented the draft minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 17 October and 14 November 2023.

Cllr Murray referred to Minute No 66 of the Cabinet held on 17 October 2023 (2023/24 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report to 30 June 2023 – Quarter 1) and asked the Cabinet Member for Finance for an explanation why the Penrith Town Hall Redevelopment was over budget.

The Cabinet Member for Finance commented that that the Council was not immune to the pressures of inflation. A project insurance review had been undertaken across all £3M plus schemes programmes. LGR had brought about some modest changes to the specification but most of the increased cost had been driven by construction inflation.  The cost of materials, Brexit, COVID, supply chain difficulties and the Ukraine war had impacted the scheme.

Cllr Drake referred to Minute No 84 of the Cabinet held on 14 November 2023 (The Operational Model for Ulverston Coronation Hall) and asked the Leader of the Council for clarity on when Ulverston Library would reopen.

The Leader of the Council commented that Library Services in Ulverston were not under threat.  He reiterated that the Council would work to plan services in Ulverston in a joined up way to support town planning and the overarching vision together with the ambitions of Ulverston residents regarding the place plan.  A full library service would be continued to be provided in Ulverston and the community would be consulted on future provision.

Cllr Dew referred to Minute No 70 of the Cabinet held on 17 October 2023 (Principals of Collaboration with Town and Parish Councils) and asked the Leader of the Council whether it was the intention of the Council to elevate the status of CALC and use it as an intermediate body dealing with Town and Parish Council sector rather than work with the sector directly and was that a true statement.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that the Council would like to work collaboratively with Town and Parish Councils or any other organisation.

Cllr Dixon on behalf of Cllr Rathbone referred to Minute No 66 of the Cabinet held on 17 October 2023 (2023/24 Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report to 30 June 2023 – Quarter 1) and asked the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environmental Services whether adequate money was available for cycling and walking in this year’s Active Travel budget.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environmental Services reported that the schemes for Active Travel were on target this financial year.  He reminded Council that the Government had announced that funding for Active Travel for 2024/25 would be halved.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environmental Services to provide a written reply to Cllr Rathbone.

Cllr Hanley referred to Minute No 71 of the Cabinet held on 17 October 2023 (Local Authority Core Funding and Partnership Working Arrangements for Arnside and Silverdale AONB and North Pennines AONB) and asked the Cabinet Member for Climate and Biodiversity why North Pennines AONB was getting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

(A) A Member may only ask a question under Rule 11.3 provided that notice in writing of the question has been given to the Monitoring Officer by noon on the fourth working day prior to the meeting.

(B) A Member of the Council may ask the Leader, relevant Cabinet Member of the Cabinet or the Chair of a committee a question without notice upon an item of the report or upon the minutes of meetings of the relevant body when the item is being received or under consideration by the Council.

The Chair reported that there had been no questions submitted to the Monitoring Officer under notice as required by paragraph 11.3 of the Procedure Rules for Meetings of Council.

Urgent Question

In accordance with paragraph 11.4.1 of the Procedure Rules for Meetings of Council an urgent question had been received from Cllr Phillips.

Cllr Phillips commented that on Tuesday Councillors were informed of the closure of Pulse Football pitches in Barrow in Furness.

On the notification, the Pulse Facebook page cited immediate health and safety concerns for the football pitches which were owned by Westmorland and Furness Council.

Local youth and sporting groups used these facilities on a regular basis and hundreds of young people were now having to look for other venues in order to participate in their regular activities.

He asked that the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities update the Council on the material state of the facilities, and give an assurance that officers were working swiftly to ensure the pitches were safe for young people to use again as soon as possible; and to ensure that the forward plan included a robust maintenance and improvement programme to enable young people to continue to be able to access these facilities.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities referred the matter the Cabinet Member for Customer and Waste Services who commented as follows:-

The Council had become aware that a decision had been taken by Pulse to close the 3G pitches at its Barrow facility.

The Council owned the facility but it was managed by our contractor, Pulse Barrow, and the decision to close the pitches had been taken by the contractor.

The Council was not informed prior to the decision to close the pitches and the Council was not involved in the health and safety assessment.

The Council recognised the concern and anxiety that would be caused to the many users of the facility by this decision and was seeking an urgent update from Pulse Barrow to fully understand the issues.

Questions without Notice

Cllr Irving asked the Cabinet Members for Highways and Assets and Sustainable Communities and Localities give an assurance that when the Council take back control of Coronation Hall, Ulverston the transfer would be accompanied by a robust business plan for the operation of the building, a plan to help secure the financial viability as well as providing a range of activities valued by the community.

The Cabinet Members for Highways and Assets stated that Coronation Hall was an essential building for the community of Ulverston.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities commented that Cllr Irving had set out an exemplary way of working with the community to use Council assets for the benefit of the community.

Cllr Bavin asked the Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets whether he was pleased to receive £156M from the Government.

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets welcomed the announcement. However he confirmed that the Council would receive £2.34M per year which was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Finance (copy enclosed).

The Cabinet Member for Finance presented a report which informed members that the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme had been abolished and replaced with a locally determined scheme known as the Local Council tax Reduction Scheme (“the Scheme”) on 1 April 2013. The aim of the Scheme was to provide support to residents of Working Age who had a low income, to assist them in paying Council Tax.

The report sought Council approval to continue the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24 including the annual uprating and other minor income and capital disregards as determined by the Department for Works and Pensions for Housing Benefit purposes, and approval to top-up the Discretionary Housing Fund.

Council was also asked to continue to apply the 100% voluntary disregard under the scheme of War Disablement Pensions, War Widows Pensions and War Widowers’ Pensions under Section 134 (8) and 139 (6) of the Social Security Administration Act; in the determination of both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.  The Council also included Armed Forces Compensation as a voluntary disregard. That was referred to as the Local Scheme.

At a time when residents were dealing with multiple financial pressures in the cost of living, a Scheme which potentially reduced entitlement could have severe adverse impacts. Linked to the cost of living pressures it was proposed that the Discretionary Housing Fund from the DWP be topped-up, to provide further support to those most in need.

The Discretionary Housing Fund had been awarded annually from the DWP, and local authorities were permitted to top-up the fund to a maximum of 250% of the allocation. To illustrate, the award for 2023/24 the allocation was £292,634; the Council could add £438,951; therefore, the total pot becomes £731,585.

That Fund provided Discretionary Housing Payments to support housing costs for those experiencing financial hardship and contributed to the prevention of homelessness.

The Council had an existing policy that supported Care Leavers up to the age of 25 years by granting up to 100% discount on their Council Tax. That provided practical help and financial assistance to Care Leavers whilst they were developing independent lives and their life skills.

Cllr Jarvis proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Derbyshire.

Cllr Derbyshire asked members to encourage any of their residents to apply for this. Many residents were not aware of the scheme and this was a positive way of helping those that needed it.

The recommendations were then put to a vote, and

RESOLVED,    that Council unanimously;

(1)      approves the adoption of the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the financial year commencing 1 April 2024 in accordance with Schedule 1A (5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, including the annual uprating and other minor income and capital disregards as determined by the Department for Works and Pensions for Housing Benefit purposes;

(2)      agrees the top-up of the Discretionary Housing Fund to the maximum permitted by the Department for Works and Pensions, for 2024/25 and future years;

(3)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Finance (copy enclosed).

The Cabinet Member for Finance reported on the updates to the Capital Programme during Quarter 1 (April to June 2023) and the forecast year-end position. Certain updates were delegated to Cabinet through the Constitution, and those had been reflected in the report in addition to those requiring Council approval for completeness.

The Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority Council had set the Capital Programme 2023-2028 in March 2023. It had brought together the financial plans for the sovereign District and Borough Councils (Eden, South Lakeland, and Barrow) and the disaggregated Cumbria County Council financial plans and presented them as the first Westmorland and Furness Capital Programme.

For 2023-2028 the Capital Programme schemes that were directly delivered by the Council had been projected as £290.081m; the capital accountable body schemes had been projected as £14.317m; and the total Capital Programme 2023 2028 was projected as £304.398m at Quarter 1.

The recommendations in the report had been approved for consideration by Council, at the Cabinet meeting held on 17 October 2023.

Cllr Jarvis proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Thornton.

The Chair moved that the meeting continued beyond the three hour limit which was seconded by Cllr J Brook the Leader of the Council and unanimously agreed.

Cllr Dew commented that the cost for the refurbishment of Voreda House had doubled in two years from £4.13M to £8.3M despite being informed in March 2023 that the total cost would be no more than £4.56m.  He asked for an explanation of the discrepancy and explain why local councillors had not been kept informed.

The Cabinet Member for Finance referred to his previous explanation in Minute No 63. A comprehensive review of the project had been carried out and a decision had been made to spend the money and deliver the project.

Cllr Brereton referred to the A595 road improvement scheme at Grizebeck and noted that there was a £1.467M slippage forecast.  He asked The Cabinet Member for Finance to provide more detail of the implications of the slippage and that consultation be undertaken with local members.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Assets commented that the Council had asked for more money from the Department of Transport.

Cllr Phillips asked whether there were likely to be further slippages in the capital schemes when the Medium Term Financial Plan was published.  He also asked about a cost scoping schedule for the schemes.

The Cabinet Member for Finance felt there were likely to be further slippages and that a plan would be needed for these that would fit with the capacity of the Council.  In relation to the cost scoping schedule he felt these should be built into projects going forward.

Cllr Pender asked for clarification on the Windermere Ferry as it had been removed from the current Capital Programme but could not see it in future years of the programme.

The Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that the Windermere Ferry was a pending project waiting for a business case to be completed.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Finance (copy enclosed).

The Cabinet Member for Finance presented a report that provided an outturn for the Treasury Management function for Barrow Borough Council, Eden District Council, South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council.

The report highlighted performance and activities which confirmed all Treasury Management activities undertaken during the period within the legacy Councils were in compliance with the respective Annual Strategy agreed by each legacy Council.

The recommendations in the report had been approved for consideration by Council, at the Cabinet meeting held on 17 October 2023.

Cllr Jarvis proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Archibald.

The recommendations were then put to a vote, and

RESOLVED,     that Council unanimously;

(1)      notes the 2022/23 Treasury Management Annual Report for Barrow Borough Council; Eden District Council; South Lakeland District Council; and Cumbria County Council; and

(2)      notes that each Council fully complied with their respective treasury management policies and practices during 2022/23 including Prudential Indicators.

Councillor Cooper left the meeting at 16.31pm.

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Finance (copy enclosed).

Councillor Ladhams the Chair of the Licensing Committee reported that following a meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 28 September 2023 whereby the Committee resolved to implement Remote Licensing Hearings, the Constitution Review Working Group at their meeting on 13 October 2023 had resolved to recommend the Remote Licensing Hearings Protocol to Council and that any arising amendments considered necessary to the Constitution be delegated accordingly to the Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer.

Cllr Ladhams proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Audland.

The recommendations were then put to a vote, and

RESOLVED,    that Council;

(1)      adopts the Protocol on Remote Licensing Hearings, as detailed at Appendix 1; and approve the proposed amendments to the Constitution (as outlined in Appendix 2) in light of the proposed adoption of the Protocol; and

(2)       delegates authority to the Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution with the amendments in Appendix 2 and any further minor amendments necessary in order to implement the Protocol following consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee and the Head of Public Protection.

To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Finance (copy enclosed).

Councillor Connell the Chair of the Constitution Review Working Group introduced the report that asked members to agree amendments to the Council Procedure Rules, the Cabinet Procedure Rules and the Councillor/Officer Protocol in the Constitution.

The amendments to the Constitution were to clarify the definition of a Key Decision, to provide that decisions made by Locality Boards were subject to Call-In, to amend the delegation to Chief Officers to respond to consultations and to amend the rules relating to the publication of minutes of confidential meetings.

Cllr Connell proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Jarvis.

The recommendations were then put to a vote, and

RESOLVED,     that Council unanimously: -

(1)      agrees the amendments to the Council Procedure Rules shown in red in Appendix1;

(2)      agrees the amendments to the Cabinet Procedure Rules shown in red in Appendix 2;

(3)      agrees the amendments to the Councillor/Officer Protocol shown in red in Appendix 3;

(4)      agrees the Protocol for Notifying Local Members as set out in Appendix 4;

(5)      agrees amendments to the Constitution to amend the definition of Key Decision, to provide that decisions made by Locality Boards are subject to Call-In, to amend the delegation to Chief Officers to respond to consultations, to deal with the publication of minutes of confidential meetings and to the provisions dealing with the requirement to produce a written statement of non-key decisions made by an office as set out in more detail below; and

(6)      notes the changes to the Constitution made by the Monitoring Officer under her delegated powers.

Cllr Irving left the meeting at 16.44pm.

To consider a report from the Leader of the Council (copy enclosed).

The Leader of the Council presented the Urgency Report that notified members of one urgent decision that had been taken in line with the Council’s Constitution, since the last meeting of Council.

Cllr J Brook proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Bell.

The recommendations were then put to a vote, and

RESOLVED,     that Councilunanimously agrees to note the report.

Cllr Mark Rudhall to move( Cllr Rupert Audland to second) the following:-

Removal of DVLA Services from the Post Office Network.

This Council notes with concern the announcement by the National Federation of Sub Postmasters on 9th June 2023 that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will end its contract with the Post Office on the 31st March 2024.

Currently the Post Office handles over 6 million DVLA transactions every year, with more than half being paid for by cash over the post office counter. If the contract is terminated, the only option for buying DVLA services will be online. Vulnerable people and those who are not digitally minded will be excluded and will be impacted by this loss of service.

This motion asks the Council to write to the Minister for Transport, to express the Council’s dismay at the removal of DVLA services from Post Offices.

The decision to terminate the DVLA’s contract with the Post Office Network would force road users to renew their driving licence or vehicle taxing online with no alternative.

It would be detrimental to many residents and especially so in rural areas where internet service can be poor or non-existent. Also, miles from anywhere, the most reliable presence is often the post office and when you have a question that isn’t on the ‘FAQ’ list, you really are stuck.

The loss of the DVLA contract will have an impact on the Post Offices themselves, who would suffer a loss of business. Small towns would see less people coming in to the town centre, this will have a detrimental effect on local economies.

Council therefore resolves to:

Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper. The letter to urge him to reconsider his decision not to renew the contract for DVLA services with the Post Office Network and asking him to explain how vulnerable and digitally excluded residents and visitors in Westmorland and Furness are expected to renew their licenses and pay their road tax.

The Council considered the following notice of motion;-

Removal of DVLA Services from the Post Office Network

Cllr Rudhall moved the following motion:-

This Council notes with concern the announcement by the National Federation of Sub Postmasters on 9 June 2023 that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will end its contract with the Post Office on 31 March 2024.

Currently the Post Office handles over 6 million DVLA transactions every year, with more than half being paid for by cash over the post office counter. If the contract is terminated, the only option for buying DVLA services will be online. Vulnerable people and those who are not digitally minded will be excluded and will be impacted by this loss of service.

This motion asks the Council to write to the Minister for Transport, to express the Council’s dismay at the removal of DVLA services from Post Offices. The decision to terminate the DVLA’s contract with the Post Office Network would force road users to renew their driving licence or vehicle taxing online with no alternative. It would be detrimental to many residents and especially so in rural areas where internet service can be poor or non-existent. Also, miles from anywhere, the most reliable presence is often the post office and when you have a question that isn’t on the ‘FAQ’ list, you really are stuck.

The loss of the DVLA contract will have an impact on the Post Offices themselves, who would suffer a loss of business. Small towns would see less people coming in to the town centre, this will have a detrimental effect on local economies.

Council therefore resolves to:

Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper.

The letter to urge him to reconsider his decision not to renew the contract for DVLA services with the Post Office Network and asking him to explain how vulnerable and digitally excluded residents and visitors in Westmorland and Furness were expected to renew their licenses and pay their road tax.

Cllr Audland seconded the motion.

The Chair then opened up the debate on the motion.

Upon conclusion of the debate this was then put to the vote.

RESOLVED,     Council unanimously agrees:-

(1)      to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper.

The letter to urge him to reconsider his decision not to renew the contract for DVLA services with the Post Office Network and asking him to explain how vulnerable and digitally excluded residents and visitors in Westmorland and Furness were expected to renew their licenses and pay their road tax.

To consider any urgent items of business.

None for this meeting.