Minutes:
The Leader reported that on Sunday 26 November 2023 he had attended the signing of the Lancashire Devolution deal at Lancaster Castle. District Councils were not formally part of the deal because the government precluded this, but the devolution deal was predominantly about upper tier functions such as adult skills and transport.
The Leader confirmed that the process would involve the creation of a combined County Authority for Lancashire and the members would be Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council. However, it was noted that Lancashire Districts would have two non-voting representatives who would be able to vote on areas that affect the districts. He felt the deal could have been better for Ribble Valley but that there were many positives including;
· No Financial Contribution
· No Liabilities
· Participating in transport & adult skills decisions for the first time
· And noted that that it looked like devolution would be achieved before the general election which should help maintain the two-tier system in Lancashire for the immediate future
The Leader noted that the Council had been advised in a ministerial teams meeting and policy statement that Councils would continue to receive the New Homes Bonus and the one-off funding guarantee next year. He felt this was a really significant statement and along with the £470,000 business rebate the Council had received from the Museum this would help support the forthcoming year’s revenue budget.
It was noted that the provisional Financial Settlement should be published early next week and the Leader would be report to the next Council Meeting how that affects the revenue budget forecast for next year.
The Leader noted that the Mayor, along with Longridge Mayor Councillor Rogerson and a number of Members had attended the dedication of Mardale playing fields to the late Councillor Brian Holden. The project had been championed by Councillor Holden and had resulted in improvement in car parking, changing rooms and drainage and was the first major project delivered from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Leader noted the Council had promised to make the next major investment in Longridge, which had been done, and further schemes would be delivered, including a £100,000 Investment in the Whalley Grammer School Foundation facilities and, subject to costings, an event space and pump track in Longridge. He noted the Council were also making significant investments in Clitheroe Market and Castle Street.
The Leader reported that the fourth Household Support Grant scheme would by Christmas have delivered £240,000 to help over 700 households. He noted it had been oversubscribed therefore the funds had been allocated in line with the scheme which was on a first come first served basis.
The Leader reported that the Office for National Statistics Health Index provided a systematic and independent review of health in England. Ribble Valley continued to be one of the top 10 Healthiest Places in the country. The Health Index was split into three categories, which described health in its broadest terms:
· Healthy People,
· Healthy Lives and
· Healthy Places.
The Leader and the Chief Executive had attended the Ribble Valley launch of Operation Centurion by Lancashire Police which would see additional police patrols in antisocial hotspots in Clitheroe on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. It was hoped that along with the Whalley, Clitheroe, and Longridge Pub Watch Scheme this would help to lower anti-social behaviour and crime in the Ribble Valley. He added that the Ribble Valley now had the lowest Violent Crime rate in England, and, if adjusted by population, the third lowest.
The Council continued to support the local economy with free parking in Clitheroe and Longridge on Saturdays in December before Christmas.
The Leader noted that he often spoken about how parishes, voluntary groups, and the council, were part of the glue that helped the Ribble Valley be the place that it was. He felt another part of that was tradition, which could be seen that evening in the way that decisions were taken in a respectful manner. He added that the biggest tradition in December was Christmas, which brought families together, excited children, and was a time of good will to all. He noted the many events in December that Members supported by giving their time and effort which included amongst others; Longridge Band playing Carols by the Tree, the Crib at the Castle Gates, and the Santa sleigh that travelled throughout the Ribble Valley raising funds for Local Charities.
The Leader concluded by adding that when we work together, focusing on local needs, we are happier and deliver more. He hoped that all would enjoy the buffet, wine, the school choir, and each other’s company, wishing a Merry Christmas to the Mayor, all the staff, visitors, guests, and fellow Members.