Present at the meeting:
- The Mayor (Councillor R Winkworth)
- The Deputy Mayor (Councillor M Aldred)
- Councillor Mrs K Aldred
- Councillor K Anderson
- Councillor N D Ash
- Councillor Miss J Atherton
- Councillor J B Baldwin
- Councillor Mrs J Beswick
- Councillor Mrs A M L Bland
- Councillor R M Bleakley
- Councillor B Bowen
- Councillor N A Bradbury
- Councillor G M Bretherton
- Councillor H L Cadman
- Councillor W Carney
- Councillor R Clayton
- Doctor Councillor C M Cottam
- Councillor Mrs P Cullen
- Councillor K Cunliffe
- Councillor S Dawber
- Councillor R J Derricutt
- Councillor M A Dewhurst
- Councillor Mrs S Dewhurst
- Councillor J Eccles-Churton
- Councillor S F Ell
- Councillor J Ellis
- Councillor B J Fagan
- Councillor G A Fairhurst
- Councillor G W Fairhurst
- Councillor S J Greensmith
- Councillor J N Grundy
- Councillor J Haley
- Councillor T W Halliwell
- Councillor J Hilton
- Councillor J D Hodgkinson
- Councillor Ms P L Holland
- Councillor E N Houlton
- Councillor Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor Mrs Y Klieve
- Councillor P A Liptrot
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
- Councillor B Merry
- Councillor J Miller
- Councillor D T Molyneux
- Councillor J Moodie
- Councillor J D O’Brien
- Councillor Mrs J M Peet
- Councillor Mrs J Prescott
- Councillor P Prescott
- Councillor C Ready
- Councillor C Rigby
- Councillor W Rotherham
- Councillor E Russon
- Councillor Mrs E Smethurst
- Councillor P R C Smith
- Councillor R T Splaine
- Councillor C Sweeney
- Councillor J Talbot
- Councillor Mrs A Turnock
- Councillor P A Tushingham
- Councillor F B Walker
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside
- Councillor N R Whittingham
- Councillor G Wilkes
- Councillor W J Wilkes
- Councillor M W Winstanley
57 Apologies for Absence: Councillors S C Barnes, J S Birch, Mrs B Bourne, R Brierley, Ms L E Fagan, Mrs D Fairhurst, M Klieve, K W McManus and P Thompson.
58 Minutes: The minutes of the proceedings of the meeting of the two Council meetings held on 29 October 2008 were approved as correct records and signed by the Mayor.
59 Mayorality 2009/10: Resolved: (1) The Council agrees that Councillor M Aldred is a fit and proper person to become Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan for the next Municipal Year.
(2) The Council agrees that Councillor H L Cadman is a fit and proper person to become Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan for the next Municipal Year.
60 Mayor’s Communications: (a) Death of Honorary Alderman Mrs E E Edwardson (Betty): The Mayor referred with deep regret to the death of Honorary Alderman Mrs E E Edwardson who died on 10 November 2008.
Betty Edwardson was bestowed with the title of Honorary Alderman in November 1999 having served as a Councillor of the Hindley Ward from 1987 to 1999 in the field of Establishment, Highways and Works, Housing, Public Protection and Social Services. Betty leaves behind two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The Mayor had written to the family of Honorary Alderman Mrs Edwardson to extend the Council’s deepest sympathy.
Members of the Council expressed their condolences in respect of the death of Honorary Alderman Mrs Edwardson.
(b) Death of former Councillor Mr T Bishop: The Mayor referred with deep regret to the death of former Councillor Mr T Bishop who died on 25 November 2008.
Thomas Bishop was first elected to Council in May 1980 representing the Beech Hill Ward until 1994. During that time he served on the Highways and Works, Housing and Social Services Committees. Thomas Bishop leaves behind two sons and one daughter.
The Mayor had written extended to the family of Mr T Bishop to extend the Council’s deepest sympathy.
Members of the Council expressed their condolences in respect of the death of Mr Bishop.
(c) Death of former Councillor William Blackledge: The Mayor referred with deep regret to the death of former Councillor William (Bill) Blackledge who died on 28 December 2008.
Bill Blackledge was first elected to Council in May 1994 representing the Ince Ward but retired in December 1997. During that time he served on Highways and Works, Finance and Establishment Committees. Councillor Blackledge was a member of the former Greater Manchester Council from 1973 until its dissolution in 1986 and also a member of the former Wigan County Borough Council.
The Mayor had written to the family of Mr W Blackledge to extend the Council’s deepest sympathy.
Members of the Council expressed their condolences in respect of the death of Mr Blackledge.
(d) Death of Royal Marine Corporal Liam Elms: The Mayor referred with deep regret to the death of Royal Marine Corporal Liam Elms.
Corporal Elms died in an explosion on New Year’s Day in Afghanistan at the age of 26.
The Mayor had written to the family to extend the Council’s deepest sympathy.
All present stood for a moment as a mark of respect for the sad loss of lives.
(e) Gas explosion at Blake Close, Worsley Mesnes: The Mayor referred to the recent gas explosion at Blake Close, Worsley Mesnes. She had visited the site after the initial investigation to meet the residents and thanked the emergency services. The Mayor also visited the hospital to see the victims of the blast.
(f) Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup: The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the England Wheelchair Rugby League Team on successfully winning the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Sydney, Australia on 17 November 2008.
(g) Award to Joyce Redfearn, Chief Executive – top 50 most influential people in Local Government: The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the Chief Executive, Joyce Redfearn, on being named as one of the 50 most influential people in Local Government announced recently by the Local Government Chronicle, which was regarded as the leading publication in the local government world.
(h) Tydesley Swimming Club Men’s water polo team: The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the Tyldesley Swimming Club Men’s Water Polo Team, who were crowned National League Division 2 Champions at Bath University. The team would now make a welcome return into the first division. The comment was supported by Councillor R M Bleakley.
(i) Mayor’s Charity Update: The Mayor advised that the total amount raised for the Mayor’s charity for 2008/09 to date was £22,488.20 with some money still outstanding.
(j) Queens New Year’s Honours 2009: It was with great pleasure that the Mayor congratulated on behalf of the Council:-
- Mr Bryan Gray on receiving an OBE for services to business and to the community in the North West.
- Mr Peter Allen on receiving the MBE for public service.
- Ms Susan Blyth, from Leigh, on receiving the MBE for services to the Young Men’s Christian Association and to the community in Warrington.
(k) Further issues (if any): There were no further issues.
(l) Announcements by the Executive Leader of the Council: Councillor P R C Smith (Executive Leader) made statements about the following:-
- welcoming the opening of the stadium at of Leigh Sports Village; and
- the proposed action of the Council in relation to the impact of the economic downturn
61 Outstanding business from previous Council meetings – Notices of motion referred to Cabinet: The Council considered a report, which advised Members on the progress that had been made with motions referred from previous Council meetings to Cabinet.
Councillor G W Fairhurst moved the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor J N Grundy:-
I request that the Council defers the decision on Tunstall House until the next Council meeting in order for further discussions with service users, ward members and interested parties.
Councillor G W Fairhurst supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the motion or abstaining from voting.
For the amendment (24): Councillors Mrs J Atherton, Mrs J Beswick, Mrs A M L Bland, R Bleakley, N A Bradbury, H L Cadman, W Carney, R Clayton, R J Derricutt, S F Ell, J Ellis, B J Fagan, G W Fairhurst, J N Grundy, J Haley, J D Hodgkinson, E N Houlton, P A Liptrot, B Merry, R T Splaine, P A Tushingham, G Wilkes, W Wilkes and M W Winstanley.
Against the amendment (39): The Mayor (Councillor R Winkworth), The Deputy Mayor (Councillor M Aldred )Councillors, Mrs K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, J B Baldwin, B Bowen, G M Bretherton, Doctor C M Cottam, Mrs P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, Mrs S Dewhurst, J Eccles-Churton, S J Greensmith, T W Halliwell, J Hilton, P L Holland, Mrs J Hurst, Mrs Y Klieve, Mrs S Loudon, D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J D O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott, C Ready, C Rigby, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, C Sweeney, J Talbot, Mrs A Turnock, F B Walker, Mrs M J Whiteside, N R Whittingham
Abstention (1): Councillor M A Dewhurst.
(Councillors G A Fairhurst and J Miller were not present during the named vote)
On the amendment being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
Councillor P R C Smith moved the following motion, which was seconded:-
Council notes the Cabinet response to motions 1 – 4 detailed within the report and the progress that has been made with outstanding motions 5 – 8 detailed within the report and agrees that Cabinet response to motions 5 – 8 detailed within the report are reported back to the next meeting of Council.
Councillor B Merry, supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the motion or abstaining from voting.
For the Motion (39): The Mayor (Councillor R Winkworth), The Deputy Mayor (Councillor M Aldred), Councillors Mrs K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, J B Baldwin, B Bowen, G M Bretherton, Doctor C M Cottam, Mrs P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, Mrs S Dewhurst, J Eccles-Churton, S J Greensmith, T W Halliwell, J Hilton, P L Holland, Mrs J Hurst, Mrs Y Klieve, Mrs S Loudon, D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J D O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott, C Ready, C Rigby, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, C Sweeney, J Talbot, Mrs A Turnock, F B Walker, Mrs M J Whiteside, N R Whittingham
Against the Motion (24): Councillors Mrs J Atherton, Mrs J Beswick, Mrs A M L Bland, R Bleakley, N A Bradbury, H L Cadman, W Carney, R Clayton, R J Derricutt, S F Ell, J Ellis, B J Fagan, G W Fairhurst, J N Grundy, J Haley, J D Hodgkinson, E N Houlton, P A Liptrot, B Merry, R T Splaine, P A Tushingham, G Wilkes, W Wilkes and M W Winstanley.
Abstention (1): Councillor M A Dewhurst
(Councillors G A Fairhurst and J Miller were not present during the named vote)
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried, and it was
Resolved: The Council:-
- notes the Cabinet response to motions 1 – 4 detailed within the report;
- notes the progress that has been made outstanding motions 5 – 8 detailed within the report;
- agrees that Cabinet responses to motions 5 – 8 detailed within the report are reported back to the next meeting of Council
62 Policy and budget framework issues: (a) Housing Revenue Account (HRA) – rent setting 2009/109: Further to Joint Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny Committee minute 8 (circulated at the meeting), the Council considered a report on the proposal for rents and minor charges for 2009/10 for local authority dwellings.
It was moved by Councillor P R C Smith and seconded by Councillor D T Molyneux:-
The Council:-
- agrees that dwelling rents increase on average by 4.95%;
- agrees that service charges increase by 4.95 %; and
- agrees that garage rents increase by 4.95%.
Councillor R M Bleakley asked two questions on this item.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried, and it was
Resolved: The Council:-
- agrees that dwelling rents increase on average by 4.95%;
- agrees that service charges increase by 4.95 %; and
- agrees that garage rents increase by 4.95%.
(Councillor J D Hodgkinson requested that his vote against this decision was recorded).
(Councillors T W Halliwell, F B Walker and M W Winstanley declared personal and non prejudicial interests in this item because they are members of the Wigan and Leigh Housing Board appointed by the Council).
(b) Further issues (if any): There were no further issues.
63 Constitutional issues: (a) Changes in membership/appointment of Members to Committees/Panels: Further to minute 51, the Council considered the nomination that had been received for Councillor N A Bradbury to be appointed to the Adult Services Panel in replacement of the Independent Conservative Group Member, currently sitting on the Adult Services Panel.
Resolved: The Council appoints Councillor N A Bradbury to the Adult Services Panel in replacement of the Independent Conservative Group Member.
(b) Appointment of Co-opted Members: The Council considered a report dealing with the appointment of Co-opted Members to various Panels during the remainder of the Municipal Year 2008/09.
Resolved: The Council appoints the following as Co-opted Members on the under mentioned Committee/Panels for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2008/09:-
Adult Servicves Panel
- Wigan Over 50’s Forum - Mrs C Brennan
Community Protection Panel
- Greater Manchester Police - Supt Lomas
Regeneration Panel
- Economic Partnership - Mr J Winnard
(c) Appointment of Local Authority Representative Governors: The Council considered a report dealing with the appointment of representatives to the vacancies for Local Authority Representative Governors. The report set out details of the nominations which had been received in respect of some of the vacancies, together with the Local Authority guidance.
Councillor G W Fairhurst nominated Councillor Ms A M L Bland to the vacancy at Shevington High School and Councillor Mrs D Fairhurst to the vacancy at Shevington Vale Primary School
Councillor B J Fagan nominated Councillor L E Fagan to the vacancy at Hindley Surestart Nursery.
Councillor B Merry nominated Councillor J Ellis to the vacancy at Hindley SureStart Nursery.
Members were advised that all nominations had to be submitted to the Council’s Governor Services Department for consideration. Nominations that had been submitted at the Council meeting would be passed to Governor Services for processing, and subject to successful completion of their application, would be considered for approval at the next meeting of Council.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried, and it was
Resolved: The Council:-
- appoints the Governors as nominated, as set out in the report, in accordance with the Local Authority Governor Guidance; and
- authorises the Director of Children and Young People’s Services to advise the Local Authority representative governors of their terms of office as set out in the report.
- agrees that the nominations submitted at the Council meeting be referred to Governor Services for their applications to be processed for consideration.
(Councillors G A Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst and Ms A M L Bland requested that their votes against this decision be recorded).
(d) Amendments to the Council’s Constitution: The Council considered a report dealing with proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution.
The amendments reflected the change in job titles of officers and amendments to the delegations to the executive Director of Environmental Services in relation to housing issues.
Resolved: The Council accepts the report.
(e) Pay and Reward Panel: The Council considered a report, which invited Members to establish and appoint the membership of a Pay and Reward Panel.
Resolved: (1) The Council agrees to the establishment of a Pay and Reward Panel having the terms of reference and membership outlined in the report.
(2) The Council agrees the following Membership for the Pay and Reward Panel:-
- Councillor P R C Smith
- Councillor P A Tushingham
- Councillor M W Winstanley
- Councillor B Merry
- Councillor G W Fairhurst
- Councillor D T Molyneux
- Councillor J B Baldwin
- Councillor C Ready
- Councillor P Prescott.
(3) The Council agrees to amend the delegation to the Executive Director of Business Support Services acting jointly with the Chief Executive in the manner indicated in the report.
(f) Further issues (if any): There were no further issues.
64 Questions and Comments under rule 8(1)(b) in relation to the deliberations of the Cabinet, Committees and Panels:
Councillor R M Bleakley asked a question on minute 158 of the meeting of Cabinet (Credit Crunch) of 27 November 2008.
Councillor B Merry asked a question on minute 159 of the meeting of Cabinet (Sustainable Communities Strategy) of 27 November 2008.
Councillor N A Bradbury asked a question on minute 161 of the meeting of Cabinet (Building Schools for the Future – expressions of interest) of 27 November 2008.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) responded to the abovementioned questions.
Councillor J N Grundy made a comment on minute 44 of the meeting of the Planning Committee (Parkside Strategic Rail Freight Interchange) of 4 November 2008
The Cabinet Champion for Lifestyle (Councillor J Hilton) responded to the abovementioned comment
Councillor R M Bleakley asked a question on minute 46 of the meeting of the Community Protection Panel (Credit Crunch) of 10 November 2008
The Cabinet Champion for Neighbourhood (Councillor K Anderson) responded to the abovementioned question
Councillor J Moodie asked a question on minute 45 of the meeting of the Fire and Rescue Authority (Service Performance Overview 2nd Quarter (July to September 2008)) of 16 October 2008
The Council spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire Authority (Councillor F B Walker) responded to the abovementioned question
65 Questions (if any) under Rules 8 (1)(a) and (c): There were none.
66 Notices of motion: The Chief Executive and the Service Director, Borough Solicitor submitted a joint report on the competence and lawfulness of the motions which had been received.
(1) Councillor B J Fagan submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor R J Derricutt:-
Draft Local Authority Motion Sustainable Communities Act
That Wigan council supports this motion and adopts the process as laid out by the sustainable communities act.
(i) supports the bottom up process in the Sustainable Communities Act designed to allow local authorities and their communities to drive the help that central government gives in reversing community decline and promoting thriving, sustainable communities;
(ii) notes that the Act gives local authorities the power to make proposals to government on the action and assistance government must take or give to promote sustainable communities, and argue for a transfer of public money and function from central to local control;
(iii) notes that the Act defines the sustainable communities broadly, that definition having the 4 aspects of
- the improvement of the local economy,
- protection of the environment,
- promotion of social inclusion, and
- participation in civic and political activity;
(iv) notes that reasons for a local authority choosing to use the Act include gaining new assistance from government, determining that assistance, being able to argue for transfers of public monies from central to local control and involving citizens in democracy.
(v) resolves, having been invited to by central government in October 2008, to use the Act by preparing and submitting proposals on how central government can help by 31st July 2009; and
(vi) further resolves to
- to inform the local media of this decision;
- to write to local MPs, informing them of this decision; and
- to write to Local Works (at Local Works, c/o Unlock Democracy, 6 Cynthia St, London N1 9JF) informing them of their resolution to use the Act.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
(2) Councillor G A Fairhurst submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
This council congratulates Chadwick's of Standish on being chosen as the best butchers- plus in the country.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried.
(3) Councillor R M Bleakley submitted the following motion, which was withdrawn at the meeting in accordance with rule of procedure 11.8:-
That this Council: -
(a) believes that we should be doing all we can to help small businesses who are particularly vulnerable during the current financial climate;
(b) notes that the Council currently aims to settle all invoices within 30 days, believes that this process should be speeded up for small businesses in order to improve their cash flow and help them survive during the credit crunch;
(c) therefore directs that Council officers urgently bring forward proposals to reduce the current invoice payment time for small business.
(4) Councillor S F Ell submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor J N Grundy:-
This Council notes the current uncertainty surrounding the future funding of Leigh Genesis Football Club; further notes the importance of the Club in supporting youth sports in Leigh; commends the efforts of the Facebook Consortium, who want to turn the Club into a co-operative owned by the town; and requests that the Leader write to the existing board supporting the principal of mutualisation and offering support to this bid.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) suggested that Councillor S F Ell withdraw his motion so that the Council may potentially provide assistance to the football club in the future, should it be successful in securing new ownership.
Councillor S F Ell then withdrew his motion with the consent of both the meeting and the seconder.
(5) Councillor P A Tushingham submitted the following motion which was seconded by Councillor B J Fagan:-
This Council recognises the growing importance of CCTV systems across the Borough. It is critical that any CCTV system provides meaningful information that can be used to identify miscreants in a swift and efficient manner. This Council will continue to invest in new technology and bring in line all camera systems such that images are clear, unambiguous and that Central Watch and the Police have the tools to do the job properly.
The Cabinet Champion for Neighbourhood (Councillor K Anderson) suggested that Councillor P A Tushingham withdraw his motion so that the concerns he had raised surrounding the quality of CCTV images at night could be investigate thoroughly.
Councillor PA Tushingham did not agree to withdraw his motion.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
(6) Councillor M W Winstanley submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor H L Cadman:-
This Council welcomes and respects the result of the Greater Manchester Transport Referendum held on 13 December 2008. Furthermore resolves to withdraw its support from the current TIF proposal.
During the debate, the Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) moved the following procedural motion, which was seconded:
The Council suspends the rules of procedure relating to the duration of the meeting (4.2) to allow motion 6 to be fully debated.
On the procedural motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: The Council suspends the rules of procedure relating to the duration of the meeting (4.2) to allow motion 6 to be fully debated.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) moved the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor D T Molyneux:-
This Council welcomes and respects the result of the Greater Manchester Transport Referendum held on 12 December 2008 and notes that AGMA recorded that the TIF bid should not proceed at its meeting on December 19 2008.
Councillor M W Winstanley agreed to the amendment
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-.
Resolved: This Council welcomes and respects the result of the Greater Manchester Transport Referendum held on 12 December 2008 and notes that AGMA recorded that the TIF bid should not proceed at its meeting on December 19 2008.
At this point, the guillotine was reached and the Mayor called for a vote on the following items without further debate in accordance with rules of procedures 4.2 and 4.3 of the Constitution.
(7) Councillor M W Winstanley submitted the following motion, which was deemed to be seconded:-
This Council resolves to support measures that will help to support local Pubs and Clubs who are struggling in the current economic climate. These measures include support for the Axe the Tax campaign which has already received support from two of the Borough's M.P's.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council resolves to support measures that will help to support local Pubs and Clubs who are struggling in the current economic climate. These measures include support for the Axe the Tax campaign which has already received support from two of the Borough's M.P's.
(8) Councillor G W Fairhurst submitted the following motion, which was deemed to be seconded:-
This Council now recognises that the Friends Of Mesnes Park are not open, transparent or even democratic and therefore request that this group ratifies these issues immediately and in the mean time requests that all Council Depts. do not acknowledge this group officially until these such issues have been resolved.
This Council welcomes any and all investment to Mesnes Park. This Council also welcomes any and all participants in this process and will make sure that the body over looking this project will be represented by both a Ward Councillor and also local residents.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
(9) Councillor G W Fairhurst submitted the following motion, which was deemed to be seconded:-
This Council is both disheartened and dismayed at the proposal to stop local elected members using part of their Brighter Borough to use for Christmas presents for deprived children This Council therefore votes to stop this proposal and allow this practise to continue as before.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
(Councillor G W Fairhurst requested that his vote against this decision be recorded).
