Present at the meeting:
- Councillor P R C Smith (Executive Leader) (In the Chair)
- Councillor D T Molyneux (Cabinet Champion for Environment and Regeneration)
- Councillor K Anderson (Cabinet Champion for Neighbourhood)
- Councillor J B Baldwin (Cabinet Champion for Cultural).
- Councillor K Cunliffe (Cabinet Champion for Healthier Communities and Older People)
- Councillor T W Halliwell (Cabinet Champion for Equality)
- Councillor J Hilton (Cabinet Champion for Lifestyle)
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon (Cabinet Champion for Children and Young People).
- Councillor P Prescott (Cabinet Champion for Organisational Change)
- Councillor C Ready (Cabinet Champion for Improvement)
88 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 August 2008 were approved as a correct record.
89 Exclusion of the public - section 100a Local Government Act 1972: Resolved: The public is excluded from the meeting when the Cabinet discusses the following items for the reasons set out below:-
| Agenda Item No. |
Title of report |
Minute No. |
Description of exempt information by reference to the paragraph number in schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 |
| E1 |
Proposed disposal of the Way We Were and Wigan Pier |
98 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the council) |
| E2 |
Tender for advertising – NOW People consortium |
99 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the council) |
90 References from Council: The Chief Executive reported that at its last meeting (minute 41 refers), the Council had referred the following motions to Cabinet for consideration and report back:-
Motion 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)
Motion 4 - This 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)
Motion 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)
Motion 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)
Motion 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)
Motion 9 - This Council now calls on the Executive to halt the proposed change of use of Tunstall House. (submitted by Councillor G W Fairhurst)
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees:-
- to defer motion (1), submitted by Councillor P A Tushingham and motions (5) and (7), submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley, to a future meeting pending the receipt of further reports, prior to any decision being taken;
- to defer motion (9), submitted by Councillor G W Fairhurst, to a future meeting pending further investigation of the alternative options available for the use of Tunstall House;
- to defer motion (4), submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley, to a future meeting and requests the Executive Director – Business Support Services to report back after considering the content of the Government White Paper and the further detailed consultation due out in September that relates to the motion; and
- to refer motion (6), submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley, to the Single Commissioning Agency Joint Shadow Board for consideration and report back to a future meeting of the Cabinet.
91 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: The Cabinet considered a report that dealt with the results of the stage 3 consultation (Statutory Notice) on the proposal to close PEMBEC and the final decision on the proposal (Stage 4). The report sought Members approval to the proposed closure of PEMBEC with effect from 31 August 2011.
The Children and Young People’s Panel had considered the report (minute 29 refers).
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the proposal to close PEMBEC with effect from 31 August 2011.
92 Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid – joint arrangemnets for referendum: The Cabinet considered a report that sought approval to enter into the proposed joint arrangements by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA). The purpose being, to progress with arrangements for a referendum across each of the ten districts, in accordance with a resolution passed by AGMA on 25 July 2008.
The AGMA Executive, on 29 August 2008, approved the resolutions contained within the report now submitted and approved the submission of the resolutions to each of the ten district Council’s for approval. Council had considered the report (minute 39 refers).
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Resolved: The Cabinet, pursuant to Section 20 of the Local Government Act 2000, Regulations 4, 11 and 12 of the Local Authorities (Arrangements for Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000, Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, and paragraph 29(v) of Schedule 1 to the Operating Agreement and Constitution of AGMA adopted on 29 August 2008, agrees:-
(1) to enter into joint arrangements with the other Greater Manchester district Councils to discharge those of its functions as set out below through the AGMA Executive Board:-
a. the making of arrangements for the conduct of local polls (“the referendum”) under Section 116 of the Local Government Act 2003, Section 170 of the Transport Act 2000 and Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 to be held in each of the ten districts in relation to the Transport Innovation Fund (“TIF”) proposals, including the determination of a common question to be asked in the referendum;
b. the consideration of the outcome of the current consultation on the TIF proposals and the finalisation of the proposals which will be the subject of the referendum;
c. the determination, following the referendum, as to whether the TIF proposals are pursued further;
d. in the event of a decision to proceed, the taking (in consultation with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority , where necessary) of all further actions necessary to progress the bid;
2) notes that in accordance with the AGMA Constitution decisions in relation to the above functions will be made on the basis that any decision requires the support of seven out of ten councils; and
(3) The decisions at (1) above be exempt from call-in on the grounds that it is urgent as any delay likely to be caused by the call in process could seriously prejudice the legal and financial position of the Council and the interests of the residents as set out in the report
93 Children’s centres – phase 3: The Cabinet considered a report, that advised Members as to where the next round of Children Centres were to be developed as part of Phase 3 (2008-2010) of the Children Centre Strategy.
The Children and Young People’s Panel had considered the report (minute 26 refers).
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees:-
- that the spending plan for the Early Years Capital Grant is implemented as detailed in the report now submitted;
- that the Phase 3 Children’s Centres be located at Standish (with provision in Aspull), Lowton and Orrell; and
- that Community Consultants are commissioned for the public consultation as to the kind of services or activities they feel are needed in each area.
94 Review of provision and use of resourced schools: Outcome of statutory consultation on the provision of resourced places at Hawkley Hall High School (minute 7 refers): The Cabinet considered a report which dealt with the outcome of statutory consultation on the proposal to provide resourced places for pupils with low severity autism at Hawkley Hall High School. The report sought Members approval to implement the proposal with effect from 1st September 2009.
The Children and Young People’s Panel had considered the report (minute 30 refers)
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves, that with effect from 1 September 2009, Hawkley Hall High School will provide resourced places for up to 15 pupils with low severity autism, whose difficulties are not so severe as to warrant special school placement, but who would have difficulty accessing their local mainstream school, even with considerable support;
- notes the correction to the report presented to the Cabinet meeting of 7 February 2008, referred to in paragraph 3.3 of the report now submitted, and reaffirms its decision taken on 7 February 2008 at minute 288 in relation to school organisation proposals having regard to the amendment to the report; and
- requests the Director of Children and Young People’s Services to write to the Head Teacher of Hawkley Hall High School, on behalf of the Cabinet, to congratulate the school, its governors, parents and young people for their contribution on this review.
95 Tripartite partnership agreement with Arts Council England 2008/11: The Cabinet considered a report, which informed Members of the partnership agreement between the Arts Council for England North West, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and Wigan Council. The aim of the agreement was to encapsulate the key areas of joint working between the three organisations, reflecting local and regional priorities, investment and leverage and new joint initiatives.
The Regeneration Panel had considered the report (minute 27 refers).
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was in order for the borough to benefit from the resources that would come from the agreement.
Resolved: The Cabinet endorse the partnership agreement.
(Councillor J B Baldwin declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in the above item because he is a Board Member of the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust).
96 Youth facilities: The Chairman agreed to this additional item being taken as urgent, the special circumstance being the need to obviate any delay.
The Cabinet considered a report that informed Members of the progress that had been made in the development of youth facilities in the borough.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that due to the timescale of the project and procurement issues, a local authority building was the preferable option over other community facilities.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves the geographical locations identified in the report now submitted and;
- agrees to delegate to the Director of Children and Young People’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Champion the final decision regarding the building to be chosen.
97 Adult Services budget monitoring: The Cabinet considered a report that informed Members on the budget monitoring position for Adult Services after the first four months of 2008/09 and the budgetary issues that would need to be addressed during the year.
The Adult Services Panel had considered the report (minute 26 refers).
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the report.
98 Proposed disposal of the Way We Were and Wigan Pier: The Cabinet considered a report that advised Members of the revised offer from Bruntwood Ltd for the assignment of the Council’s interest in the Way We Were and the whole of the Wigan Pier area included in the lease from British Waterways Board, and the inclusion in the transaction by way of annual lease of part of the Haig Street car park.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that it provided the best financial offer available for the land.
Resolved: The Cabinet accepts the revised offer as detailed within the report now submitted.
(Councillor J B Baldwin declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in the above item because he is a Board Member of the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust).
99 Tender for advertising services – NOW People consortium: The Chairman agreed to this additional item being taken as urgent, the special circumstance being the need to obviate any delay.
The Cabinet considered a report, that sought approval for the acceptance of a tender for the buying of recruitment and other advertisements placed in the media through a collaborative procurement venture with other North West local authorities.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Resolved: The Cabinet accepts tender No.2 (the lowest), submitted by Tribal Resourcing Limited, as the preferred contractor for advertising services.
100 Local democracy week 2008: The Chairman agreed to this additional item being taken as urgent, the special circumstance being the need to obviate any delay.
The Cabinet considered a verbal report on a proposed meeting of Cabinet and Young People on 16 October as part of the Local Democracy Week programme.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Resolved: The Cabinet delegates power to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Leader, to arrange a suitable venue for the Cabinet meeting on 16 October 2008 that could be attended by representatives from the Young Person’s Council and Youth Participation Panel.
