Recommendation on council tax to be put to full council

A recommendation to freeze the level that council tax is increased in Lancashire will be put to councillors next week.

Members of Lancashire County Council's cabinet agreed this afternoon to make the recommendation, which would see a 1.99% increase in council tax plus an extra 2% rise for adult social care, 1% below the maximum possible increase of 4.99%.

Councillors heard that there are ongoing pressures on services, particularly relating to demand for Adults and Children's Social Care along with significant inflationary pressures resulting from a number of factors including the war in Ukraine.

Significant work has been undertaken in the last year to review opportunities for improved productivity and improved value for money and cabinet members now believe the financial outlook is optimistic.

Members heard that there were several areas where future investment had been considered, but it was thought to be more important to freeze the level at which council tax rises to 1.99% plus the adult social care element of 2%, equating to a total of 3.99%.

The only extra expenditure being recommended will be £750k to ensure the managed security of the council's IT system and £200k to expand the programme of sustainable travel in the county, with the aim of attracting extra Government investment.

In comparison, around 80 per cent of county councils are intending to raise the full 4.99% on council tax that they levy without having to ask their residents permission to do so in a referendum.

Latest figures show, subject to confirmation of final funding levels, the revised forecast funding gap for 2023/24 is £9.501m.

While this position is better than expected, it is an increase of £7.760m on the previously reported position in January, with the forecast gap rising to £23.286m by 2026/27.

The council's focus remains that of protecting residents and supporting the economy, and the budget has been developed with these two priorities at the forefront.

County Councillor Alan Vincent, deputy leader of the council, said: "Raising Council Tax is never a decision that we take lightly, but under current circumstances we believe it is essential to protecting services.

"As a cabinet, we recognise the challenging environment for Lancashire people and businesses, and for that reason we will be recommending that the increase be the same as last year, 3.99%.

"This is less than the maximum 4.99% that councils are allowed to increase council tax without a referendum, and at the same time we believe the proposed increase will also support our most vulnerable residents and our economic growth.

"We need to get the balance right, and take a responsible approach in difficult times, while maintaining our determination to deliver good value for money.

"By continuing our sound financial management, we will create the opportunity to consider future investment in priority services, and mean we are less reliant on our reserves.

"The final decision will be taken at our full council meeting on February 9."

For more information visit Council - Agenda for Cabinet on Thursday, 2nd February, 2023, 2.00 pm (lancashire.gov.uk)

Healthcare professional convicted of sexual assault

A healthcare professional has been found guilty of sexually assaulting five women while working at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Hernando Puno, 52, of Onslow Road, Blackpool, was convicted at Preston Crown Court of eight counts of sexual assault against his victims.

The investigation into Puno’s offending began in March 2021 when he was arrested for an allegation of sexual assault against a colleague. This then led to other victims coming forward and reporting sexual assaults dating between 2014 and 2020. Puno and the victims were working as health care assistants at the hospital.

Puno was later charged with a series of sexual assaults. He pleaded not guilty but following a trial was convicted on eight counts. He will be sentenced at a later date. Det Ch Insp Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “Hernando Puno is a pred- atory offender who targeted younger female healthcare assistants.

“Throughout the trial Puno sought to dismiss his behaviour as a ‘bit of fun’ and just a friendly gesture. But the jury heard how he did not extend his friendly gestures to his older colleagues, his male colleagues and certainly not towards his senior colleagues who he worked with at the hospital.

“His behaviour was both shameless and demeaning. His actions had a significant effect on the victims, who suffered in silence for years before approaching police. Most of them removed themselves from the situation with several leaving the hospital.

“The five victims have showed tremendous bravery in coming forward, and throughout the subsequent investigation and trial.

“A sexual assault is committed when a person intentionally touches another person sexually without their consent.

“Lancashire Constabulary remains committed to investigating offences of this nature, no matter how historic, and no matter what the role, position and status of the alleged offender. “We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.”

Karen Tonge, Specialist Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: “Hernando Puno’s actions have caused anger and distress.

“I am grateful to the women who have bravely shared their experiences, which has enabled Lancashire police and CPS North West to bring Puno to justice.

“Their actions in taking a stand against Puno’s behaviour will no doubt have prevented other women suffering the same abuse.

“Women have a right not be sexually harassed, especially at work. We are committed to bringing to justice those who commit sexual offences.”