Decision
Analysis
outcome: The decision was approved, with 7 members voting in favor and 1 member abstaining.
summary: The decision at stake is whether to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Lancaster City Council and Morecambe Town Council.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding between Lancaster City Council and Morecambe Town Council.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as no specific disadvantages or risks were identified for not adopting the MOU.
affected_stakeholders: ["Lancaster City Council", "Morecambe Town Council"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1575
Decision Maker:
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Peter Jackson) Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to request that Cabinet adopts the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Lancaster City Council and Morecambe Town Council. As Members of Morecambe Town Council Councillor Bottoms and Hart had declared an interest in this item. The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows: Option 1: Adopt the MOU and commit the council to the stated objectives and priorities. Option 2: Do not adopt the MOU and do not commit to the objectives and priorities. Advantages If adopted, the Chief Executive will sign the MOU and establish a meeting structure and action plan. No advantages are identified for this option. Disadvantages No specific disadvantages are identified for this option. If not adopted, the Council will have less emphasis on local government collaboration and less structured communication with Morecambe Town Council. This may reduce opportunity for progressive and collaborative action that benefits Morecambe residents. Risks None identified. None identified. The officer recommended option is to proceed with adopting the MOU so that the Chief Executive can sign the MOU and move towards the delivery of outcomes (Option 1). Councillor Peter Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:- “That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.” Councillors then voted:- Resolved: (7 Members (Councillors Hamilton-Cox, Hart, Caroline Jackson, Peter Jackson, Riches, Tyldesley & Wilkinson) voted in favour, and 1 Member (Councillor Bottoms) abstained.) (1) That Cabinet agrees to the principles and objectives as detailed in the Memorandum of Understanding and authorises the Chief Executive to sign on the Council’s behalf. Officer responsible for effecting the decision: Chief Executive Reasons for making the decision: The report provides details of the objectives of the MOU and outlines the content and importance for effective local government collaboration amidst a period of potential change. Cabinet adoption of the MOU will enable officers to progress with the aims of this collaboration. Effective local government communication and action aligns with the strategic principles of the Council Plan 2024-2027. Most notably this will evidence an informal partnership for shared ambitions.
Date of Decision: July 8, 2025