- Councillor Mrs S Loudon (Chairman)
- Councillor M Aldred (Vice Chairman)
- Councillor Mrs J S Birch
- Councillor G M Bretherton
- Councillor H L Cadman
- Councillor Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor J Moodie
- Councillor C Rigby
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside
- Councillor N R Whittingham
- Councillor G Wilkes
- Councillor R Winkworth
- Co-opted Member
- Mr B Turrell
38 Apologies for absence: Councillors R T Splaine (Vice-Chairman), N D Ash, Mrs B Bourne, R J Derricutt, M A Dewhurst, I A Franzen, P R Franzen, M Klieve, P A Tushingham and F B Walker and Mr D Barber, Rev R Buckley and Rev Deacon R Moore.
39 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 13 August 2007 were approved as a correct record.
Items not subject to confirmation by the Council:
40 Whipping declarations: The Deputy Director of Legal and Property Services reminded the Committee that government guidance expected Members of Overview and Scrutiny Committees not to act in accordance with party whipping and that, if they did, they were to declare it.
There were no declarations made.
41 Questions (if any) on the business of the Cabinet: There were none.
42 Select Committee No 1 minutes – 21 August 2007: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 1 (Townships) held on 21 August 2007 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No 1 – Townships 21 August 2007
Present at the Meeting:
- Councillor Mrs J S Birch (Chairman)
- Councillor Mrs B Bourne
- Councillor P A Tushingham
- Councillor R T Splaine
42.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors H L Cadman, J Hilton and Mrs S Loudon.
42.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 26 July 2007 were approved as a correct record.
42.3 Terms of reference: Progress at the last meeting was discussed. The Officers were asked to bring proposals for more focussed terms of reference to this meeting.
Resolved: The Select Committee focus the review of Townships through the model of ‘Participatory Budgeting’.
42.4 Participatory Budgeting: Mr S Dale provided the Select Committee with an overview of participatory budgeting. It was agreed that this model would provide a good framework in which to execute the scrutiny role for this topic.
Resolved: The Committee requests the Officers bring a schedule of visits and other learning opportunities to the next meeting.
42.5 Future meetings: Resolved: The Committee agrees to a programme of visits for the ‘learning’ element of the review will be presented at the next meeting on 4 September 2007 at 6:00 pm.
Chairman
43 Select Committee No 1 minutes – 4 September 2007: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 1 (Townships) held on 4 September 2007 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No 1 – Townships 4 September 2007
Present at the Meeting:
- Councillor Mrs J S Birch (Chairman)
- Councillor Mrs B Bourne
- Councillor P A Tushingham
43.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors H L Cadman, J Hilton, Mrs S Loudon and R T Splaine.
43.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 21 August 2007 were approved as a correct record.
43.3 Terms of reference: Resolved: The terms of reference is agreed.
43.4 Feedback from Participatory Budgeting (PB) Seminar: Councillor Mrs Birch gave the group an overview of the seminar run by the PB unit. She reflected that many of the good practice examples were already underway in Wigan. However, there were some good examples that we could learn from and contacts to be made with different authorities and within the PB unit.
Resolved: The Policy Officers to contact the Participatory Budgeting Unit to arrange for them to speak at a future meeting of the Select Committee.
43.5 Project Plan and suggested visits to other authorities: The Select Committee agreed with the suggested timetable for the review. It was agreed that the learning phase, including visits to best practice areas would be completed by mid October. Mr Dale outlined some of the Authorities he has made contact with regarding the visits and Councillor Mrs Birch indicated the authorities recognised as good practice during the seminar. The Select Committee have asked that a visit be arranged to the North East due to the similarities in community and the good practice being developed. Mrs Jay had a suggested approach for the visits and outlined the information to be gathered. The group made some suggestions and the document will be amended. Councillor Tushingham raised the importance of communication in engaging with residents and this would be reinforced in the visits.
Resolved: The Officers to arrange a local visit, followed by a visit to the North East.
43.6 Future meetings: Resolved: The Select Committee would not meet again until the visits have started. Members will be given as much notice as possible before the visits take place.
Chairman
44 Select Committee No 2 minutes –14 August 2007: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 2 (Reputation Management) held on 14 August 2007 were submitted for information.
Resolved: (1) The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
(2) In accordance with minute 44.4, the Chairman requested that all parties reassess their representation on the Select Committees.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No 2 - Reputation Management 14 August 2007
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor F B Walker
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
44.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors G Wilkes, N D Ash and J Moodie.
44.2 Minutes: There were no previous minutes to be agreed.
44.3 Terms of reference for Reputation Management Review: The Select Committee considered the draft terms of reference.
Resolved: The Select Committee requests:
- that the terms of reference be further considered at the next meeting.
- that a note of the issues discussed be prepared to inform the next meeting.
44.4 Co-option of officers to support the review: The Select Committee considered the membership of the committee and discussed necessary additions.
Resolved: The Select Committee requests
- that the Public Relations Officer be asked to join the Select Committee.
- that the Public Relations Officer presents his briefing paper on Reputation Management at the next meeting.
- that the request for opposition party representation on the Select Committee be repeated at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
44.5 Schedule of future meetings: The Select Committee considered the frequency and timing of future meetings.
Resolved: The Select Committee requests
- that the next meeting take place on the 11 September 2007 at 6:00 pm in one of the committee rooms at Wigan Town Hall.
- that a draft schedule of meetings be prepared at three weekly intervals for consideration at the next meeting.
Chairman
45 Select Committee No 3 minutes –13 August 2007: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 3 (Transport) held on 13 August 2007 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No. 3 - Transport 13 August 2007
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside (Chairman)
- Councillor M A Dewhurst
- Councillor I A Franzen
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
Co-opted Member
Also in attendance Mr P Rowlinson, Mr P Wickett and Mr N Clarke (Environmental Services Department)
45.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors Mrs J Hurst, P A Franzen, N Whittingham and R Winkworth.
45.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 30 July 2007 were approved as a correct record.
45.3 Interview with Mr P Rowlinson, Mr P Wickett and Mr N Clarke (Environmental Services): The Select Committee interviewed the representatives from Environmental Services regarding transport issues within Wigan Borough, the impact that the Transport Innovation Fund bid will have on the borough and the linkage between congestion and investment.
Resolved: The Select Committee thanks Mr P Rowlinson, Mr P Wickett and Mr N Clarke for their attendance.
45.4 Date and time of next meeting: The next meeting will take place on Thursday, 30 August 2007 at 6:00 pm in Wigan Town Hall.
Resolved: The Select Committee approved this meeting.
Chairman
46 Select Committee No 3 minutes – 30 August 2007: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 3 (Transport) held on 30 August 2007 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No. 3 - Transport 30 August 2007
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside (Chairman)
- Councillor M A Dewhurst
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
- Councillor N R Whittingham
46.1 Apologies for absence: Councillor I A Franzen and Mr B Turrell.
46.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 13 August 2007 were approved as a correct record.
Resolved: The Select Committee approved the minutes.
46.3 Review of the timetable: The Select Committee reviewed the timetable for the transport review. Confirmation is expected from the GMPTE as to the date that they will attend a Select Committee meeting.
Resolved: The Select Committee approves the timetable.
46.4 Progress against the terms of reference: The Select Committee assessed the progress of the review against the terms of reference and considered new areas of research.
Resolved: The Select Committee notes the progress to date.
46.5 Consultation with members of the public: Members of the Select Committee agreed that consultation regarding transport issues should take place with a range of focus groups, including tenants and residents groups.
Resolved: The Select Committee agrees the above.
46.6 Date and time of next meeting: The next meeting will take place on Monday, 10 September 2007 at 4:00 pm in Wigan Town Hall.
Resolved: The Select Committee approves this meeting.
Chairman
47 Select Committee No 4 minutes – 16 August 2007: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 4 (Health) held on 16 August 2007 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No 4 - Health 16 August 2007
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor G M Bretherton (Chair)
- Councillor C Rigby
- Councillor Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor R J Derricutt
- Councillor I A Franzen
47.1 Apologies for absence: Councillor N R Whittingham, Councillor Mrs S Loudon, Councillor Mrs R Winkworth.
47.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 19 July 2007 were approved as a correct record.
47.3 Approval of Co-opted Elected Member: Resolved: Councillor M W Winstanley be appointed as the Co-opted Elected Member to this Select Committee.
47.4 Mr Peter Rowe, Chief Executive, Ashton Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust (PCT): Mr P Rowe, Chief Executive and Ms R Cruickshank, Acting Director of Public Health from Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT gave a presentation on the PCT, its functions and challenges. Mr Rowe suggested how he sees overview and scrutiny assisting in helping to improve the health and well-being of people in Wigan.
Resolved: The Select Committee thanks Mr Rowe and Ms Cruickshank for their presentation and resolved to identify issues for the Select Committee to scrutinise further.
47.5 Research feedback and information on health inequalities and well-being: D Taylor provided feedback on health inequalities and well-being.
Resolved: The Select Committee thanks Ms Taylor for this information.
47.6 Response to members comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee: D Taylor updated the Select Committee on actions taken since the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Resolved: The Select Committee thanks Ms Taylor for this information.
47.7 Any other business: Councillor G M Bretherton and D Taylor updated the Select Committee on a meeting that they had attended with Mr A Foster, Chief Executive and Mrs G Harris, Director of Nursing and Operations at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss plans for the future of the WWLNHS Trust. It was proposed that they attend the next Health Select Committee.
Resolved: The Select Committee thanked Councillor Bretherton and Ms Taylor for this information and approved the recommendation for attendance at the next meeting.
47.9 Date and time of next meeting: Resolved: The next meeting be held on 13 September 2007 at 6:00 pm
Chairman
48 Forward plan for October 2007 to January 2008: The Assistant Chief Executive reported that, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Executive Leader was required to publish a forward plan of key decisions that the Cabinet expected to make in the following four months. Each Plan would be submitted to this Committee for comment at least fourteen days before its publication. The Committee considered the plan that was to be published in October 2007.
Members of the Committee made comments on the lack of content of the plan in some instances and requested further information.
In accordance with minute 8, the Cabinet agreed the following, in relation to the Parks Strategy:-
104 Parks and green spaces strategy: The Cabinet considered a draft strategy for the management and development of those parks and green spaces that were managed by the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust on behalf of the Council.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to use the proposed strategy to focus resources and achieve greater impact.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves the report and the draft vision statement now submitted;
- authorises the Officers to refer the report to each of the Township Forums so that it can be aligned to Township priorities; and
- requests the Officers to review the strategy in the light of the views expressed by the Forums before submitting it to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consultation and then to Cabinet and the Council for final approval.
Resolved: (1) The Committee accepts the report and refers the report on the Leigh Conservation Area Appraisal to the Leigh Township Forum so that it can be aligned to Township priorities.
(2) The Committee notes the decision of Cabinet in relation to minute 8.
(Councillor C Rigby declared a declared personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because his daughters work for the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. Mr B Turrell declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because his daughter works at the Leigh Rugby Club).
49 Budget timetable and principles 2008/09: The Committee considered a revised approach to the annual growth process and the strategic budget timetable and principles for 2008/09.
The Cabinet had considered the report (Minute 131 refers).
Members asked questions on the report and received appropriate responses.
Resolved: The Committee accepts the report.
(Councillor C Rigby declared a declared personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because his daughters work for the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. Mr B Turrell declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because his daughter works at the Leigh Rugby Club).
50. Medium Term Financial Plan 2008-2011: The Committee considered a report on the financial projections for the Council over the next three years with specific focus on the budget and Council Tax prospects for 2008/09.
The Cabinet had considered the report (Minute 132 refers).
Members asked a number of detailed questions on the report and received appropriate responses.
Resolved: (1) The Committee accepts the report.
(2) The Committee requests Select Committee No 1 – Townships, to consider the use of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which allows a local planning authority (LPA) to enter into a legally-binding agreement or planning obligation, with a land developer over a related issue.
(3) The Committee requests Select Committee No 1 to invite Councillor N R Whittingham to the meeting where the issue raised in (2) above is being considered.
(Councillor C Rigby declared a declared personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because his daughters work for the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust).
Chairman
