The agenda for the meeting is as follows:-
1 Apologies for absence.
2 Minutes: 21 August 2008
3 Urgent Business (if any): To be accepted at the discretion of the Chairman of the meeting.
4 Exclusion of the public (.pdf, 19Kb): The Cabinet is asked to consider whether by resolution to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the items of business marked with an 'E' reference because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information. A draft resolution is attached for use by the Cabinet if it so wishes.
5 Declarations of interest: To receive declarations of interest in any item for discussion at the meeting. A blank form for declaring interests has been circulated with the agenda, please ensure that this is returned to the Committee Clerk at the end of the meeting.
6 The agenda for this meeting: Members to agree the allocation of items in the various sections of this agenda.
7 References from Council and Committees etc (if any): At its last meeting (minute 41 refers), the Council referred the following motions to Cabinet for consideration and report back:-
(1) This Council will seek to adopt its powers under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act to improve our derelict areas. It has worked for other Councils, so why not Wigan? Section 215 works could be developed into a key element in the Borough’s ongoing regeneration programme and form an integral part of that process. (submitted by Councillor P A Tushingham)
(4) That Council puts on record that it currently sees no advantage in the installation of an Elected Mayor in either Wigan or the whole of Greater Manchester.
Although there may be some imperfections in the present system of Governance, Council believes it does form the basis for a strong, legitimate and accountable local democracy which is capable of continuous improvement. It also provides a strong civic focus for the Borough. (submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley)
(5) This Council notes with interest the news that the problem of stray dogs became the responsibility of Wigan Council in April 2008.
Consequently this Council believes that the new powers require the authority to increase the number of dog wardens employed. Given that the Council currently employs only two dog wardens in the borough, this totally inadequate coverage will need to be enhanced.
In particular Council are aware that there is a rising and serious problem associated with dog fouling that has been reported in wards right across the borough. This Council supports any and all efforts to tackle this by enforcing existing legislation and obliging dog owners to pick up after their dogs and not to allow them to roam on their own.
This Council firmly believes that dog fouling, which is a major social menace and a health hazard to very young children, could be brought under control by firm and decisive action, including surveillance, steep fines with "naming and shaming" publicity, the provision of dog bins, free bags and any other methods designed to provide either carrot or stick approaches. (submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley)
(6) This Council notes the growing obesity problem in Wigan Borough where almost a third of adults are classed as clinically obese putting them in danger of potentially deadly conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
This Council therefore welcomes the new partnership of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Slimming World, NHS Direct and the Primary Care Trust in providing a new range of services that provide easy access and comprehensive support to help people make the necessary lifestyle changes to improve their health. (submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley)
(7) This Council seeks to further support and encourage retailers, businesses and commercial manufacturers to reduce unnecessary and wasteful packaging, in particular the widespread use of plastic bags.
This Council resolves to take the lead in reducing free plastic bag provision by launching a borough wide campaign to gain voluntary agreement between the Council, business, and other interested parties to end the practice of providing free plastic bags within Wigan Borough. (submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley)
(9) This Council now calls on the Executive to halt the proposed Change of use of Tunstall House. (submitted by Councillor G W Fairhurst)
OPEN ITEMS
Discussion leading to decision
8 Building Schools for the Future: Review of Mainstream Secondary Schools - Report on the Stage 3 Consultation on the Proposal to Close PEMBEC -Pemberton Business and Enterprise College (.pdf, 1035Kb): Report of the Director of Children and Young People’s Services enclosed. (key decision)
9 TIF referendum – proposed arrangements (.pdf, 108Kb): Report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor enclosed.
Decision
10 Children’s Centres Phase 3 (.pdf, 87Kb): Report of the Director of Children and Young People’s Services enclosed. (key decision)
11 Review of Provision and Use of Resourced Schools: Outcome of Statutory Consultation on the Provision of Resourced Places at Hawkley Hall High School (.pdf, 226Kb): Report of the Director of Children and Young People’s Services enclosed. (Key decision)
12 Tripartite partnership agreement with Arts Council England 2008/11 (.pdf, 109Kb): Joint report of the Director of Adult Services and the Chief Executive Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust enclosed.
The Chairman of the meeting will be requested to consider the following urgent item, the special circumstance being the need to obviate any delay:-
12a Youth Facilities (.pdf, 251Kb): Report of the Director of Children and Young Peoples Services enclosed.
Monitoring
13 Adult Services Budget Monitoring Report 2008/09 (.pdf, 145Kb): Report of the Director of Adult Services enclosed.
PRESS EXCLUDED ITEMS
Decision
E1 Proposed Disposal of the Way We Were and Wigan Pier: Report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor enclosed. (Key decision)
The Chairman of the meeting will be requested to consider the following urgent item, the special circumstance being the need to obviate any delay:-
E2 Tender for Advertising – NOW People consortium: Report of the Executive Director Business Support Services enclosed.
