Annual Meeting of the Council - 16 May 2007

Present at the Meeting:

The Mayor (Councillor Mrs E Smethurst)
The Deputy Mayor (Councillor J D O’Brien)
Councillor K Aldred
Councillor M Aldred
Councillor K Anderson
Councillor N D Ash
Councillor M Baines
Councillor J B Baldwin
Councillor Mrs A Bennett
Councillor Mrs J Beswick
Councillor Mrs J S Birch
Councillor Mrs B Bourne
Councillor B Bowen
Councillor N A Bradbury
Councillor G M Bretherton
Councillor W Carney
Councillor R Clayton
Councillor C M Cottam
Councillor K Cunliffe
Councillor G Davies
Councillor J F Davies
Councillor R J Derricutt
Councillor J Eccles-Churton
Councillor B J Fagan
Councillor L E Fagan
Councillor I A Franzen (part only)
Councillor P R Franzen
Councillor J Haley
Councillor T W Halliwell
Councillor J Hilton
Councillor J D Hodgkinson
Councillor P L Holland
Councillor E N Houlton (part only)
Councillor Mrs J Hurst
Councillor Mrs B Jarvis
Councillor M Klieve
Councillor Mrs S Loudon
Councillor B Merry
Councillor D T Molyneux
Councillor J Moodie
Councillor J A O’Neill
Councillor Mrs J Prescott
Councillor P Prescott
Councillor C Ready
Councillor C Rigby
Councillor A Robinson
Councillor W Rotherham
Councillor J Shaw
Councillor P R C Smith
Councillor R T Splaine
Councillor C Sweeney
Councillor J Talbot
Councillor P Thompson
Councillor Mrs A Turnock
Councillor P A Tushingham
Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside
Councillor N R Whittingham
Councillor G Wilkes
Councillor W J Wilkes
Councillor B M Wilson
Councillor R Winkworth
Councillor M W Winstanley

1. Election of Mayor: It was moved by Councillor C Rigby and seconded by Councillor Mrs S Loudon and

Resolved: Councillor John David O’Brien is elected Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan for the ensuing Municipal Year 2007/08.

The Mayor (Councillor John O’Brien) then occupied the Chair.

Councillor John O’Brien made the declaration of acceptance of office, announced that his wife Hazel would be his Mayoress and that Reverend Dr A Cunningham would be his Chaplain. He then returned thanks for his election.

2. Visit to Church: The Mayor extended an invitation to all Members of the Council, the Chief Officers and others to accompany him to a Civic Service at Leigh Parish Church at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday, 20 May 2007.

3. Mayoral Charity: The Mayor announced that he would be setting up a Mayoral Charity during his year in office and that the proceeds would be given to support breast cancer services in the borough.

4. Vote of thanks to retiring Mayor: It was moved by Councillor K Anderson and seconded by Councillor Mrs A Bennett and

Resolved: The warmest thanks of this Council are accorded to Councillor Mrs Eunice Smethurst for the able, courteous and acceptable manner in which she has filled the office of Mayor of this Metropolitan Borough during the past Municipal Year.

Other Members of the Council paid personal tributes.

The retiring Mayor expressed her thanks to all who had assisted her during her term of office as Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan.

5. Election of Deputy Mayor: It was moved by Councillor W Rotherham and seconded by Councillor Mrs J S Birch and

Resolved: Councillor Rona Winkworth is elected Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Councillor Rona Winkworth made the declaration of acceptance of office, introduced her daughter Gail Guy as Deputy Mayoress and returned thanks for her election.

There then followed a short adjournment to allow the personal guests of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor to withdraw to the Mayor’s Parlour.

6. Apologies For Absence: Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillors S C Barnes, Mrs A M L Bland, H L Cadman, M A Dewhurst, Mrs S Dewhurst, Mrs D Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst, G A Fairhurst, N Hogg, K W McManus, J Miller, W S Simmons and F B Walker

7. Announcements from the Mayor or the Head of the Paid Service: The Executive Leader referred to the success of Wigan Athletic in staying in the Premier League.

8. To report the names of the Councillors elected on 3 May 2007 and welcome to New Members: The Chief Executive reported that the following Councillors had been elected on 3 May 2007:-

Ward	Councillor
Abram	Eunice Smethurst
Ashton	Walter Carney
Aspull, New Springs, Whelley	Christopher Ready
Astley Mosley Common	Brendan Bowen
Atherleigh	Mark Aldred
Atherton	Norman Alec Bradbury
Bryn	Gary Wilkes
Douglas	Michael Anthony Dewhurst
Golborne Lowton West	Mark Klieve
Hindley	James Eccles-Churton
Hindley Green	Louise Elizabeth Fagan
Ince	Joan Hurst
Leigh East	Christine Margaret Cottam
Leigh South	John David O’Brien
Leigh West	Myra Joan Whiteside
Lowton East	Jonathan Miller
Orrell	Michael William Winstanley
Pemberton	Barbara Bourne
Shevington with Lower Ground	Deborah Fairhurst
Standish with Langtree	George Allan Fairhurst
Tyldesley	Keith William McManus
Wigan Central	James Francis Davies
Wigan West	Michael Baines
Winstanley	Rona Winkworth
Worsley Mesnes	William Rotherham

The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, extended a warm welcome to Councillors M Aldred, M Baines, B Bowen, Mrs B Bourne, N A Bradbury, W Carney, Mrs C M Cottam, J F Davies, M A Dewhurst, J Eccles-Churton, L E Fagan, Mrs D Fairhurst, G A Fairhurst, Mrs J Hurst, M Klieve, K W McManus, J Miller, J D O’Brien, C Ready, W Rotherham, Mrs E Smethurst, Mrs M J Whiteside, G Wilkes, R Winkworth and M W Winstanley.

9. Reference to Ex-Councillors: The Mayor reminded Members that Ex-Councillors R Brierley, D M Brown, J Ellis, D J Higginbottom and K V Williams had been unsuccessful in the Muncipial Elections held on 3 May 2007 and he and other Members of the Council paid tribute to the services rendered by them.

Resolved: The Council places on record its appreciation of the services rendered by Ex-Councillors R Brierley, D M Brown, J Ellis, D J Higginbottom and K V Williams.

10. Election of Executive Leader: Resolved: Councillor P.R.C. Smith is elected Executive Leader of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan for the ensuing Municipal Year 2007/08.

11. Names, Addresses and Wards of the Members appointed by the Leader to the Cabinet and the Membership of Cabinet Committees: The Executive Leader reported the names, addresses and Wards of the Members appointed by him to the Cabinet, together with the Membership of the Cabinet for 2007/08:-

Cabinet (Composition 10)
Portfolio	Person
Leader	Councillor P R C Smith
Deputy Leader and Regeneration Champion	Councillor J A O’Neill
Children and Young People Champion	Councillor B M Wilson
Environment Champion	Councillor D T Molyneux
Equality Champion	Councillor C Ready
Healthier Communities and Older People Champion	Councillor K Anderson
Improvement Champion	Councillor Mrs E Smethurst
Lifestyle Champion	Councillor J B Baldwin
Neighbourhood Champion	Councillor K Cunliffe
Organisational Change Champion	Councillor T W Halliwell

Resolved: The Council accepts the report now submitted.

12. Appointment of Committees: Resolved:(1)The Council appoints Committees, Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen as set out below for the ensuing Municipal Year 2007/08:-

(1) Audit Governance and Improvement Review Committee (Composition 12)

Labour (7): Councillors Mrs K Aldred, T W Halliwell, Ms P L Holland, M Klieve, P Prescott, C Rigby and C Sweeney.

Opposition (5)

Conservatives (1) Councillor M W Winstanley (Chairman)

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillors J Miller and B J Fagan.

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor J Haley.

1 Vacancy

(2) Honorary Aldermen Nominations Committee (Composition 7)

Labour (4): Councillors Mrs S Loudon, J A O’Neill, C Rigby and R Winkworth.

Opposition (3)

Conservatives (1) Councillor M W Winstanley

Democratic Alliance (1) Councillor I A Franzen.

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor B Merry.

(3) Licensing Committee (Composition 15)

Labour (9): Councillors J B Baldwin (Chairman), J Shaw (Vice-Chairman), M Baines, J Eccles-Churton, Mrs C M Cottam, J Hilton, P Prescott, A Robinson and W Rotherham.

Opposition (6)

Conservatives (2) Councillors J F Davies and G A Fairhurst.

Democratic Alliance (3) Councillors S C Barnes, W Carney and W J Wilkes.

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor B Merry.

(4) Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Composition – 23 Elected Members Plus Co-opted Members)

The Government advice on the composition of Overview and Scrutiny Committees is as follows:

“ In deciding the membership of overview and scrutiny committees, local authorities will need to take into account the particular skills and expertise required to ensure that thorough and informed reviews take place. They should consider whether to include those who are not members of the local authority to bring outside views to the work of such committees. This is in addition to the requirements in Schedule 1 to the Act.

Where there is a majority group, local authorities might consider it appropriate to have all or some of these committees chaired by members outside the majority group or by church or parent governor representatives. Overview and Scrutiny should be constructive and not merely be there either always to oppose the executive or to rubber stamp the executive's decision.”

Labour (14): Councillors Mrs S Loudon (Chairman), M Aldred (Vice-Chairman), N D Ash, Mrs J S Birch, G M Bretherton, Mrs B Bourne, M Dewhurst, J Hilton, Mrs J Hurst, J Moodie, C Rigby, F B Walker, Mrs M J Whiteside and R Winkworth.

Opposition (9)

Conservative (3) Councillors H L Cadman, J F Davies and N R Whittingham.

Democratic Alliance (4) Councillors I A Franzen, R J Derricutt, P R Franzen and P A Tushingham.

Independent Councillor Group (2) Councillors R T Splaine and G Wilkes.

Statutory Co-opted: Representatives of religious denominations (3):

Deacon R Moore (Roman Catholic); Vacancy (Bolton & Rochdale Methodist District/Free Churches); Vacancy (Church of England); and

Representatives of Parent Governors (3): Mr B Turrell (Secondary Sector), Vacancy (Primary Sector); Vacancy (Special Sector).

(5) Planning Committee (Composition 14)

Labour (9): Councillors J A O'Neill (Chairman), Mrs A Bennett (Vice-Chairman), B Bowen, N Bradbury, C Cottam, J Hilton, Mrs B Jarvis, A Robinson and J Shaw.

Opposition (5)

Conservatives (2) Councillor J F Davies and G A Fairhurst.

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillors Mrs J Beswick and W Carney

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor J D Hodgkinson.

(6) Regulation Committee (Composition 15)

Labour (9) Councillors J B Baldwin (Chairman), J Shaw (Vice-Chairman), M Baines, J Eccles-Churton, Mrs C M Cottam, J Hilton, P Prescott, A Robinson, and W Rotherham.

Opposition - 6

Conservatives (2) Councillors J F Davies and G A Fairhurst.

Democratic Alliance (3) Councillors S C Barnes, W Carney and W J Wilkes.

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor B Merry.

(7) Standards Committee (Composition 15 – Up To 8 Elected Members (with 5 places reserved for Labour, 1 reserved for Community Action Party 1 reserved for Conservatives and 1 reserved for Liberal Democrats), 5 Independent Members and 2 Parish Council Members)

Elected Members (8): Councillors Mrs S Dewhurst, B J Fagan, J A O’Neill, Mrs J Prescott, P Thompson, F B Walker and R Winkworth and one vacancy ( Lib Dem)

Independent Members (5): Messrs G Wood (Chairman), R Kidd, D A Lea, P G Pennington and Mrs P A Wheal.

Parish Council Members (2) : Councillor J Ball (Shevington) and Councillor Mrs M A Thomson (Haigh).

(2) The Council defers to the next meeting consideration of the appointment of the second Vice Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

13. Appointment of the Advisory Panels: Resolved: (1) The Council appoints Advisory Panels as set out below for the ensuing Municipal Year 2007/08:-

(1) Adult Services Panel (Composition - 12 Elected Members Plus

Co-opted Members)

Labour (7): Councillors K Anderson (Cabinet Member), G M Bretherton, Mrs S Dewhurst, M Dewhurst, Mrs J Hurst, Mrs J Prescott, and J Talbot.

Opposition (5)

Conservative (2) Councillors Ms D Fairhurst and M W Winstanley.

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillor K W McManus plus 1 vacancy.

1 Vacancy.

(2) Children And Young People’s Panel (Composition - 12 Elected Members; 6 Statutory Co-opted Members; plus Co-opted Members)

Labour (7): Councillors B M Wilson (Cabinet Member), Mrs K Aldred, Mrs B Bourne, Ms P L Holland, M Klieve, J Talbot and R Winkworth.

Opposition (5)

Conservative (2) Councillors A M L Bland and G W Fairhurst.

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillor Ms L E Fagan and K W McManus.

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor R T Splaine.

Statutory Co-opted: Representatives of Religious Denominations (3): Deacon R Moore (Roman Catholic); Vacancy (Bolton & Rochdale Methodist District/Free Churches); Vacancy (Church of England); and Representative Parent Governors (3): Mr B Turrell (Secondary Sector), Vacancy (Primary Sector), Vacancy (Special Sector).

(3) Community Protection Panel (Composition - 12 Elected Members plus Co-opted Members)

Labour (8): Councillors K Cunliffe (Cabinet Member), M Baines, B Bowen, B Bradbury, D J Eccles-Churton, J Moodie, Mrs A Turnock and Mrs M J Whiteside.

Opposition (4)

Conservatives (1) Councillor H L Cadman.

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillors Mrs J Beswick and Ms L E Fagan.

Independent Councillor Group (1) Councillor J D Hodgkinson.

(4) Environment Panel (Composition - 12 Elected Members plus Co-opted Members)

Labour (7): Councillors D T Molyneux (Cabinet Member), N D Ash, Mrs J S Birch, G Davies, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott and W Rotherham.

Opposition (5)

Conservatives (1) Councillor R Clayton.

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillors E N Houlton and W J Wilkes.

Independent Councillor Group (2) Councillors J Haley and G Wilkes.

(5) Regeneration Panel (Composition - 12 Elected Members plus Co-opted Members)

Labour (7): Councillors J A O'Neill (Cabinet Member), M Aldred, G Davies, Mrs J Hurst, Mrs B Jarvis, C Sweeney and Mrs A Turnock.

Opposition (5)

Conservatives (2) Councillors N R Whittingham and P Thompson.

Democratic Alliance (2) Councillors E N Houlton and P A Tushingham.

1 Vacancy

14. Appointment of Co-opted Members 2007/08: The Council considered a report dealing with the appointment of Co-opted Members to the various Panels during the Municipal Year 2007/08.

Resolved: The Council appoints the following as Co-opted Members on the undermentioned Panels for the ensuring Municipal Year 2007/08:-

Adult Services Panel

Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust	Mr A Stephenson Mr P Halsall (substitute)
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust	Mr B Strett Mr L Higgins (substitute)
Carers UK Assocation	No nomination received
5 Borough Partnership	Mrs J Garlick Rev’d B Baldwin (substitute)
Over 50’s Forum	Mrs E Kelly Mr H Kedward (substitute)
The Dias Service	Mrs M Burgess Dr P A Cook (substitute)

Children and Young People’s Panel

Teacher Union representative	Mr S Wilson Mrs A Forkin (substitute)
Teacher Union representative	Mr A Birchall Mr D Johnson (substitute)
Borough Partnership (formerly Education and Lifelong Learning Partnership)	Mr G Cheesman
Roman Catholic Church representative	Deacon R Moore
Church of England representative	No nomination received
Bolton and Rochdale Methodist District/Free Churches representative	No nomination received
Parent Governor representative – Secondary sector	Mr B Turrell (expiring 2009)
Parent Governor representative – Primary sector	No nomination received
Parent Governor representative – Special sector	No nomination received

Community Protection Panel

Greater Manchester Police	Chief Superintendent L Bruckshaw Superintendent P McIver (substitute)
Dias	Mrs M Burgess Mrs H M Boylan (substitute)
National Probation Service	Mrs C Boyd
Victim Support and Witness Service	Mr M Simpson
Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust	Mr H Holden Mrs D Whitaker (substitute)
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue	Mr J Harding Mr P Petrykowski (substitute)
Greater Manchester Police Authority	No nomination received
Bolton and Wigan Crown Prosecution Service	No nomination received

Environment Panel

Wigan Access Community	Mr J Healen, Mrs J Kenyon (substitute)
Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan	Mr D McQueen

Regeneration Panel

Wigan Chamber of Commerce	Mr R Allen
One Voice Residents Association	Mrs B Nettleton Mrs E Bradshaw (substitute)
Wigan Economic Partnership (Business sector)	Mr J Winnard
Wigan Economic Partnership (Community sector)	Mrs P Stewart
Douglas Valley Community	Mr G Fulton
Community and Voluntary Sector	No nomination received
Learning and Skills Council	Mr T Dickinson

15. Appointment of Representatives on Joint Authorities in Greater Manchester and other outside bodies: : Resolved: (1) The Council appoints the following as representatives on the undermentioned Joint Authorities in Greater Manchester and other outside bodies for the ensuing Municipal Year 2007/08:-

Outside Body	Representative(s)
Greater Manchester Districts' Joint Arrangements:
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority	Councillors R J Derricutt, J.D. O’Brien and F.B. Walker (spokesperson).
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority	Councillors M. Aldred, Mrs. A. Bennett (spokesperson), P.R. Franzen and J. Shaw.
Greater Manchester Police Authority	Councillor C. Rigby (spokesperson).
Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority	Councillors G. Davies and J Talbot
AGMA:
Executive Of The Association	Councillor P.R.C. Smith (Councillor J.A. O'Neill substitute representative).
Council For The Association	Councillors Mrs J. Hurst, J.D. O’Brien and B Merry
Statutory Functions Committee	Councillor J B Baldwin (Councillor N D Ash substitute representative).
NHS Scrutiny Body	Councillor J.D. O’Brien.
General Scrutiny Panel	Councillor Mrs J. Hurst
Board of Greater Manchester Connexions	Councillor R. Winkworth.
Greater Manchester Pension Fund	Councillor J.B. Baldwin.
Joint Committee (Joint Waste Disposal Development Plan for Greater Manchester)	Councillor J.A O'Neill.
Allowances for Members – Independent Remuneration Panel	Dr. D.L.G. Hall, Mr. M. Honor and Mr. L. Yates.
Ambleside Bank Management Representative	Councillor Mrs. J. Hurst
Association for Public Service Excellence	Councillor C. Rigby
Astley Green Colliery - Steam Coal and Canal Trust	Councillor B Bowen
Astley Green Colliery Liaison Panel	Councillors J.B. Baldwin (or his nominee), Members of the Astley Mosley Common Ward:- (Councillors B Bowen, J. Haley, and B.M. Wilson) and Mr. T. Sherratt. Councillor B Merry
Asylum Seekers Providers Forum	Councillors Mrs. A. Bennett and C. Ready.
Bolton and District Post Office and Telecommunications Advisory Committees	Councillors J.D. O'Brien and R. Winkworth.
Borough Care Services / CLS	Councillor M.A. Dewhurst
Bridgewater Canal Trust	Councillor Mrs M.J. Whiteside
Highway User Group	Councillors P. Prescott, D.T. Molyneux, W. Rotherham and G. Wilkes.
Charities:
Ashton Linen and Woollen Stock Charity	Mr A J Bullen, Mr J Carnworth, Mr J E Foster, Mrs G M Foster, Mr A Melling, Mrs M M H Millington and Mrs M Dyson (all for a four year term expiring 25 April 2011, agreed at Council 26 April 2007)
Brayton Almshouses	Councillor W.S. Simmons and Mr. T. Isherwood (expiring October 2007).
France’s and Hilton’s Charities	Councillors Dr C Cottam Mrs. A. Turnock, Mrs. M.J. Whiteside and Honorary Alderman J. Jones.
Frances Duckenfield Charity	Councillor A. Robinson and Messrs. T. Isherwood and J. Topping (expiring October 2008).
Fred Bradshaw Memorial Prize Fund	Councillors K. Anderson, Mrs. B. Jarvis and J.D. O’Brien.
Golborne Charities	Mrs. S. Ince, Mrs. P. Lawrence, Mr. A Tootell and Mrs L Owen (all expiring January 2010).
Haigh School Charity	Mr. T. Morris.
Hilton and Jones Charity	Honorary Alderman J. Jones.
Houghtons Charity	Mrs. M. Honeywell, Mrs. E. Mathews and Mr. P. Ryder.
James Brown Charity	Mr. W. Broxton.
James Carlton Eckersley Charity	Councillor A. Robinson and Mr. J.D. Bray (expiring October 2010). Councillor W.S. Simmons and Mr. T. Isherwood (expiring Oct 2008).
J.D. Speakman Prize Fund	Councillors K. Anderson, Mrs. B. Jarvis and J.D. O’Brien.
Lowton United Charities	Mr. F.J. Newton and Honorary Aldermen N.B. Holt and T. Sherratt.
Mather Eleemosynary Charity	Councillors A. Robinson and W.S. Simmons and Messrs. T. Isherwood and J. Topping (all expiring October 2008).
Mort's School Foundation Charity	Councillors C. Rigby and B.M. Wilson and P. Nicholson, Mrs. M.O. Stockton, Mr. J.P. Teece and F. Warburton.
Leigh Educational Endowment (Old Leigh Educational Endowment and Miss Marsh Scholarship Fund)	Councillor P.R.C. Smith and Honorary Alderman J. Jones (expired October 2006). Mr. E. Guest and Mr. B. Dean (expired March 2007). Mr. G. Bent (expiring September 2007). Mr. S. Kennedy and Miss J. McKiernan (expiring in September 2008). Mrs C Newall (expiring November 2010). Councillor K. Anderson (expiring September 2009).
Old School Foundation, Golborne	Mr. A.J. Bullen.
Oliver Whalley Charity, Tyldesley	Councillors B.M. Wilson and F.B. Walker and Mr. B. Donaghy and Mrs. O. Stockton.
Richard Hilton's	Councillors Mrs. A. Turnock and Mrs. M.J. Whiteside.
Richard Mather Trust	Councillor W.S. Simmons and Mr. T. Isherwood and Honorary Alderman Mrs. E.E. Edwardson.
Speakman's Charity	Honorary Alderman L. Birtles.
Standish United Charities	Councillor J.A. O'Neill (expiring October 2010), Mr M J Crosby (expiring October 2007) and Mr. T. Morris (expiring October 2008)
Upholland Grammar School Charity	Mr. D. Atherton and Mr. T. Woods
Whelley St. Catherine's Recreation Ground Charity	Councillors Mrs. J. Hurst and J. Moodie.
Wigan Town Relief in Need Charity	Councillor J. Shaw, Hon. Ald. Mrs. M. Milligan (expired March 2007) and Ms M. M. Coghlin, Mr G.R. Walsh and Mr. R.T. Frodsham.
William Collier Prize Fund	Councillors K. Anderson, Mrs. B. Jarvis and J.D. O’Brien.
Citizens' Advice Bureau – Wigan, Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield and Atherton (Joint)	Councillors W.S. Simmons and Mrs. A. Turnock
Civic Host Association	Councillor J.B. Baldwin (or his nominee).
Clear Glaze Partnership	Councillor B.M. Wilson.
Coalfield Communities Campaign	Councillor K. Cunliffe
Coalfield Communitites Regeneration Programme	Councillor K. Cunliffe.
Community of Enterprise European Partnerships	Councillor J.B. Baldwin
Campaign to Protect Rural England	Councillor B. J. Fagan
Cutacre Development Liaison Committee	Ward Councillors for the Atherton Ward;- (Councillors Mrs. K. Aldred, N A Bradbury and R.T. Splaine). Plus one vacancy (formerly ex Councillor D Higginbottom)
Dorset Road Community Centre - Management Committee	Councillor N A Bradbury (Councillor R.T. Splaine substitute Representative).
Douglas Valley Community Limited	Councillors C. Ready, Mrs. J. Hurst, J. Moodie, and F.B. Walker.
Douglas Valley Joint Committee	Councillors J.B. Baldwin, Mrs. A. Bennett, Mrs. J.S. Birch, J. Hilton, G. Davies, Mrs. B. Jarvis, D.T. Molyneux, A. Robinson and R. Winkworth.
Douglas Valley Properties Limited	Councillors D.T. Molyneux, J.A. O'Neill and W. Rotherham.
Electoral Task Group	Councillors K. Anderson, R. Winkworth, Mrs. S. Loudon, J. Miller, D.T. Molyneux, J.A. O'Neill, Mrs. E. Smethurst, R.T. Splaine and M.W. Winstanley.
Greater Manchester Waste Forum	Cabinet Member for Environment (Councillor D T Molyneux)
Hallgate House Management Committee	Mr. J. Ball.
Higher Folds Community Centre Council	Councillors Dr C Cottam and F.B. Walker.
Highways DLO's/DSO's	All Members of the Environment Panel.
Home Start Wigan	Councillor Mrs S. Dewhurst
Homelessness Forum	Councillor Mrs. B. Bourne.
John Rigby College Board of Governors	Vacancy (formerly Councillor P. Prescott, expired April 2007).
Joint Teachers Consultative Committee	Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services and the Cabinet Member for Human Resources.
Leigh Sports Partnership	Councillors K. Cunliffe, J.D. O’Brien and P.R.C. Smith.
Leigh Town Centre Management Group	Councillors Mrs. A. Turnock (chair) K. Cunliffe, Mrs. B. Jarvis, F.B. Walker and Mrs. M.J. Whiteside.
Local Air Quality Management	Cabinet Member for Environment (Councillor D T Molyneux)
Local Government Association:
General Assembly	Councillors J.B. Baldwin, J.A. O'Neill and P.R.C. Smith.
Older People’s Champion	Councillor Mrs .J. Hurst.
Urban Commission	Councillor P.R.C. Smith.
Special Interest Group for Metropolitan Authorities (SIGOMA)	Councillor P.R.C. Smith.
Human Resources Panel	Councillor J.B. Baldwin.
M62 Corridor Housing Group	Councillor C. Ready.
Manchester Airport Group plc (Shareholders Representative)	Ms. J. Redfearn
Manchester Area Pollution Advisory Council	Cabinet Member for Environment (Councillor D T Molyneux)
Manchester North Valuation Tribunal	Mr. G. Bithell, Ms. R. Charnock, Mr. R. Clatworthy, Mr. A. Ireland, Mr. F.W. Jones, Mr. W.S. Shaw and Ms. M.J. Smart (expiring 31 March 2008).
Metropolitan Catering and Cleaning Service (MCCS) Advisory Board	All Members of the Children and Young People’s Panel and Councillor W.S. Simmons.
National Association of British Market Authorities	Councillors J.B. Baldwin and A. Robinson
Norfolk Property Services (NPS) North West Limited	Councillor K. Anderson and the Deputy Chief Executive.
North Regional Association for the Blind General Council	Councillors Mrs. B. Bourne and Mrs. J. Hurst.
North Regional Association for the Deaf and Wigan, Leigh and District Society for the Blind	Councillors Mrs. B. Bourne and Mrs. J. Hurst.
North West Regional Assembly	Councillor P.R.C. Smith (Councillor J. A. O'Neill substitute).
North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadet Association	Councillor J Shaw.
North West Regional Associated Educational Authorities	Councillor B.M. Wilson
North West Sound Archive	Councillor A. Robinson
North West Sports Assembly	Councillor J.B. Baldwin
North Western Employers Association	Councillors J.B. Baldwin (Councillor C. Ready as substitute).
Nugent Care Society	Councillor M.A. Dewhurst
Outside Education Centres Management Committee	Councillors Mrs. A. Turnock and R. Winkworth.
Partnerships:
Community Safety Partnership	Councillors K. Cunliffe and Mrs. M.J. Whiteside.
Cultural Partnership	Councillors J.B. Baldwin and Mrs J. Birch
Education and Lifelong Learning Partnership	Councillors R. Winkworth and B.M. Wilson.
Environment and Development Partnership	Councillors D.T. Molyneux and J.A. O'Neill and W. Rotherham.
Health and Social Care Partnership	Councillors K. Anderson and P.R.C. Smith
Housing Partnership	Councillors K. Cunliffe, Mrs. J. Hurst, C. Ready and R.T. Splaine.
The Board of Wigan Borough Partnership	Councillor J.A. O'Neill, C. Ready and P.R.C. Smith plus one vacancy.
Economic Partnership	Councillors J.A O’Neill and P.R.C. Smith.
Platt Bridge Community Centre	Councillors Mrs. A. Bennett and Mrs. E. Smethurst (Councillor C. Sweeney as substitute Member).
Proco (NW) Ltd	Councillor J.A. O’Neill and Mr. A.P. Hardy.
Public Rights of Way	Councillor D.T. Molyneux.
Red Rose Community Forest	Councillors D.T. Molyneux and W. Rotherham.
Regional Flood Defence Committee	Councillor D.T. Molyneux.
Road Safety Forum	Councillors N.D. Ash, D.T. Molyneux and G Davies.
Schools Admission Forum	Councillors N. Hogg, Mrs. M.J. Whiteside and R. Winkworth.
Shopmobility	Councillor J. Shaw.
Social Services North West	Councillor K. Anderson (Councillor B.M. Wilson as substitute).
South Area Flood Defence Advisory Committee	Councillor D.T. Molyneux.
SRB 6 'One Stop for Regeneration'	Ince – Councillor Mrs. J. Hurst, Worsley Mesnes – Councillor W. Rotherham, Norley – Councillor Mrs J. Prescott, Strategic Member – Councillor J.B. Baldwin
Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)	Councillors W.S. Simmons and Mrs. A Turnock and B.M. Wilson and Mrs. S.B. Turner and Mr. J. Topping.
SureStart 4 – Partnership Board (Shakerley and Tyldesley)	Councillors Mrs. K. Aldred (Atherton) and B.M. Wilson (Astley Mosley Common).
SureStart Partnership Board (Hindley/Hindley Green)	Councillors W.S. Simmons (Hindley Green), J. Talbot and R. Winkworth
Sustainable Development Working Group	Councillor D.T. Molyneux.
The University of Manchester – General Assembly	Councillor B.M. Wilson (expiring 31 August 2008).
University of Salford – Court	Councillors B.M. Wilson and the Mayor.
Upholland Grammar School Educational Foundation	Mr. D. Atherton (expired December 2007).
Voluntary Town Twinning Committee	Councillors Mrs. J.S. Birch, Mrs. E. Smethurst , Mrs R. Winkworth (Mayor and Leader – ex-officio) and Mr. G. Roberts.
W3/W4 ' Wigan the Way to Work' European Action Plan	Councillors P.R.C. Smith (Chairman) and F.B. Walker (Councillor Mrs. S. Loudon substitute representative), Councillor J.B. Baldwin and Ms J. Redfearn
Waste Management Working Group	Councillor G. Davies
Wigan Access Committee	Councillors Mrs. J.S. Birch and Mrs. J. Hurst.
Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan	Councillor J Shaw
Wigan Borough Chamber of Commerce	Councillors P.R.C. Smith and J.A. O’Neill and Ms. J. Redfearn.
Wigan and District Community Transport – Management Committee	Councillor N A Bradbury.
Wigan and Leigh College Governing Body	Mr. A. Stephenson and the Deputy Chief Executive.
Wigan and Leigh Council for Voluntary Service – Management Committee	Councillor C. Ready.
Wigan and Leigh Crossroads Care Attendants Scheme Management Committee	Councillor R. Winkworth
Wigan and Leigh Hospice Business Support Group	Councillor Mrs. J. Prescott.
Wigan and Leigh Housing (ALMO)	Councillors C Ready, F B Walker, Mrs M J Whiteside and M W Winstanley
Wigan and Leigh Housing Company Limited and Council Representative at Annual General Meetings	Vacant
Wigan Area Ring and Ride	Councillor Mrs. E. Smethurst.
Wigan Borough Arts Exchange	Councillors C Cottam, M Klieve, Mrs S Dewhurst and N R Whittingham
Wigan Borough Sports Council	Councillors J.B. Baldwin, Mrs. J.S. Birch and J. Hilton
Wigan Community Credit Union Development Agency (WCCUDA)	Councillors J Talbot and J Eccles-Churton
Wigan Flashes Conservation and Community Group	Councillors Mrs. J.S. Birch, J. Miller, W. Rotherham and W.S. Simmons.
Wigan Football Company Limited	Director of Finance and Information Technology.
Wigan Foundation for Technical Education	Mr. J. Topping ( Wigan Area) (expired October 2007).
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust	Councillors J.B. Baldwin and Mrs E Smethurst
Wigan Local Transport Group (GMPTA)	Councillors Mrs P L Holland, G. Davies, Mrs S Dewhurst, Mrs A Turnock and Mrs M J Whiteside and Mr. J. Ball, and Hon. Aldermen J.J. Hession and T. Sherratt.
Wigan Metropolitan Development Company Limited	Councillors J.B. Baldwin, K. Cunliffe, Mrs. B. Jarvis, D.T. Molyneux, J.A. O'Neill, P.R.C. Smith, F.B. Walker and Ms. J. Redfearn and Messrs. D. Smith and A.P. Hardy
Wigan Play Association	Councillors G.M. Bretherton, M.J. Whiteside and R. Winkworth.
Wigan Tourism Forum	Councillor J.B. Baldwin (or his nominee).
Wigan Victim Support Scheme – Management Committee	Councillors Mrs. E. Smethurst and C. Sweeney.
Wigan Wildlife Advisory Group	Councillors J.B. Baldwin (or his nominee), W. Rotherham and W.S. Simmons.
Winstanley College Board of Governors	Mr. R. Atkinson (expiring January 2009).
Xanadu (Pleasure Dome) Limited	Councillor P.R.C. Smith and Ms. J. Redfearn.

(2) The Council defers consideration of the filling of the vacancy on the Board of Wigan Borough Partnership until the review currently being undertakn on the Parnership’s working arrangements has been concluded.

16 The Constitution, including necessary amendments: Resolved: The Council confirms and adopts the amendments to the Constitution now submitted and notes the position on the Members Scheme of Allowances.

17 Dates and Times of Meetings of the Council for 2007/08: The Council considered a programme of meetings for 2007/08.

Resolved: The Council approves the programme of meetings as now submitted, with the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan meeting on the following dates:-

7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 11 July 2007
7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 5 September 2007
7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 31 October 2007
7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 9 January 2008
7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 27 February 2008
7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 5 March 2008 (includes fixing Council Tax)
7.00 p.m., Wednesday, 23 April 2008
2.30 p.m., Wednesday, 14 May 2008 (Annual Council Meeting)

18. Adoption of new model code of conduct: The Council considered a report on a new code of conduct for Members issued by the Standards Board for England. A copy of the new code and a guide from the Standards Board were attached to the report. The Cabinet and the Standards Committee (minutes 455 and 69 of May 2007 refer respectively) had receommended the Council to adopt the new code.

Resolved: The Council adopts the new code of conduct for Members now submitted and urges all Members to support the btraining day organised for 25 May 2007.

19. Appointment of Local Authority representative Governors. The Council considered a report which gave details of schools within the borough where appointments of Local Education Authority (LEA) Representative Governors were required. The report also set out details of nominations that had been received in respect of some of the vacancies.

Resolved: (1) The Council approves the Local Education Authority Governor nominations as set out in the report now submitted.

(2) The Council requests the Director of Children and Young People’s Services to advise the Local Authority appointed Governors of their terms of office as set out in the report.

20. Gambling Act 2005 - Setting of fees for Premises Licences. The Council considered a report which gave details of the fees proposed for premises licences (Cabinet minute 457 of May 2007 refers). Under the Gambling Act 2005 local authorities had assumed responsibility for licensing premises used for gambling and the proposed fees would be imposed on the applications received .

Resolved: The Council approves the fees set out in the report for premises licences under the Gambling Act 2005.

21. Casual vacancy: The Chief Executive reported that Councillor Neil Hogg (Tyldesley Ward) had failed to attend any meetings of the Council in the last six months and, as a consequence, had ceased to be a Member in accordance with the provisions of section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved: The Council, in accordance with section 86(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, declares Councillor Neil Hogg’s office to be vacant.

22 The Policy Framework of the Council: The Council considered the following Policy Framework in this Municipal Year 2007/08:-

Item	Council Meeting
Community Plan	July 2007
Review of Support Services	July 2007
Adult Services - Service Plan 2007/08	July 2007
Adult Services Commissioning Procurement Strategy	July 2007
Environmental Services Department Service Plan	July 2007
Travel Plans SPD for adoption	July 2007
Food Service Plan	July 2007
Development and Protected Species SPD for adoption	July 2007
Equality Strategy	September 2007
Development and Air Quality SPD for adoption	October 2007
Wigan Core Strategy – Issues and Options	October 2007
Wigan Allocations and Infrastructure Development Plan Document – Issues and Options	October 2007
Asset Management Plan	October 2007
Licensing Policy Review	January 2008
Design Guide for House Extensions Draft SPD	January 2008
Trees and Development Draft SPD	January 2008
Homelessness Strategy	January 2008
Housing Strategy	January 2008
Transport Strategy	January 2008
Housing Revenue Account Business Plan	January 2008
Annual Monitoring Report	January 2008
Local Development Scheme	April 2008