Present at the meeting:
- Councillor K Anderson (Cabinet Champion)(In the Chair)
- Councillor B Bowen
- Councillor Mrs S Dewhurst
- Councillor J Eccles-Churton
- Councillor Ms L E Fagan
- Councillor J N Grundy
- Councillor J D Hodgkinson
- Councillor J Moodie
- Councillor Mrs A Turnock
- Mr J Harding (Co-opted Member)
- Mr M Humphries (Co-opted Member)
- Mr M Simpson (Co-opted Member)
39 Apologies for absence: Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, H L Cadman and Mrs M J Whiteside and Chief Superintendent L Bruckshaw, Mrs M Burgess, Mr H Holden and Mr A Roberts (Co-opted Members)
40 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Panel held on 15 September 2008 were approved as a correct record.
41 Managing NI 195 cleansing performance: The Panel considered a report, which informed members about the framework that will be used to measure performance in relation to National Indicator 195 – cleanliness.
A presentation was given by a representative of ENCAMS, a Wigan-based organisation that runs the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ campaign and who work with the authority to identify areas where cleanliness services need strengthening. The presentation showed an improving picture of the borough regarding cleanliness.
Although the standard NI 195 model would require information to be returned on 15 wards each year, Wigan would provide new data for every ward and would undertake further surveys across the borough using the same methodology.
Agreed: The Panel notes the report now submitted and supports the proposals.
42 Alley gating progress report: The Panel considered a report, which informed Members of the progress on the alley gating programme and current evaluation to date.
The alley gating programme has delivered well and further progress was anticipated subject to financial resources. It was anticipated that future planned evaluations would provide further evidence of the effectiveness of alley gates which has reduced crime and disorder and increased residents’ satisfaction and perception of safety.
Agreed: The Panel notes the progress of the alley gating programme and supports its continuation subject to available finance.
43 Crime statistics 1 April 2008 to 26 October 2008: The Panel considered a report, which informed Members of the performance in relation to recorded crime performance.
Although there was a reduction in the number of serious crime, Members were concerned about the growing levels of anti-social behaviour and alcohol related incidents in their Wards. Councillor J N Grundy asked if it was feasible for the police to regularly patrol anti-social hot spots. The Head of Neighbourhood Services responded by saying that Wigan Council’s approach to anti-social hot spots would continue to be one of problem solving rather than being limited to patrolling. Members were made aware of a pilot programme involving joint teams from Greater Manchester Police and Children and Young People’s Services targeting hot spot areas involving young people and alcohol on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Agreed: The Panel notes the report now submitted.
44 Local Area Agreement action plan (LAA): The Panel considered a report, which informed Members of the developing action plans to deliver Local Area Agreement priorities in relation to housing and building stronger communities.
Agreed: The Panel notes the report now submitted.
45 Mid-Year Performance Reporting 2008: The Panel considered a report, which advised Members of the Environmental Services Department’s mid-year performance data for 2008. In terms of housing related elements, all targets on the service plan would be met. The services were being adjusted accordingly in a proactive approach to deal with the impending recession and the forecasted increases in repossessions and court activity.
Agreed: The Panel notes the report now submitted.
46 Credit Crunch: The Panel considered a verbal report by the Head of Housing and Community Regeneration on the impact that the credit crunch and impending recession would have in Wigan. Services would be adjusted to focus on the vulnerable members of the Borough. Private rented properties would be looked at being managed by Wigan and Leigh Housing in a bid to alleviate the housing shortage; 80,000 repossessions were predicted nationally.
The Head of Regeneration and Protection informed the Panel of the regulatory impact that the credit crunch would have. There would be a likelihood of an increase in lost deposits, non-delivery of goods and an increase in scams and fake and counterfeit goods. These issues would have a direct impact on jobs locally and nationally.
Agreed: The Panel notes the report now submitted.
47 Questions by Members at Panel meetings: There were none.
