Present at the meeting
- Councillor M Aldred (Chairman)
- Councillor J Moodie (Vice Chairman)
- Councillor G M Bretherton
- Councillor H L Cadman
- Councillor R J Derricutt
- Councillor M A Dewhurst
- Councillor B J Fagan
- Councillor G W Fairhurst
- Councillor Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor M Klieve
- Councillor C Rigby
- Councillor P Thompson
- Councillor P A Tushingham
- Councillor F B Walker
- Councillor N R Whittingham
Co-opted Members
- Rev Deacon R Moore
- Mr B Turrell
121 Apologies for absence: Councillors J Miller (Vice Chairman), J S Birch, Mrs B Bourne, J Ellis, Ms P L Holland, R T Splaine, Mrs M J Whiteside and G Wilkes and Mr D Barber and Rev R Buckley (Co-opted Members).
122 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 12 January 2009 were approved as a correct record.
123 Exclusion of the public - section 100a Local Government Act 1972: Resolved: The public is excluded from the meeting when the Committee discusses the following item for the reason 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 |
Call ins (if any) |
- |
- |
| E2 |
Wigan and Leigh Housing Bid to the Homes and Communities Agency for New Affordable Housing |
141 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the council) |
124 Whipping declarations: The Service Director – Borough Solicitor 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.
125 Re-cycling Final Report – Select Committee No.2: The Committee considered the final report on the Select Committee’s findings.
Councillor F B Walker (Chairman of the Select Committee) and the Policy Officer reported on the findings in detail and put forward a list of recommendations for the future.
Ms Gail Robinson (Waste Disposal and Recycling Manager) was also present at the meeting to answer questions on the report. She explained that the current waste disposal contract would be up for renewal in 2012.
Members asked various questions on the report and gave their views. The questions were centred around best practice adopted by comparable Local Authorities, the types of bins used at the different types of properties, the disposal of bio degradable waste and the importance of encouraging further re cycling in schools.
Reference was made to Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council as showing the greatest signs of improvement in recycling figures, rising from 14 to 32%.
Resolved: The Committee:-
- accepts the report now submitted;
- endorses the recommendations set out within the report and the need to respond adequately to them;
- agrees to review the recommendations in six months time;
- refers the final report to the Cabinet and relevant Committees and Panels for detailed consideration; and
- thanks the Policy Officer for the presentation and the Chairman and Members of the Select Committee for their hard work in relation to this review.
(Rev R Moore declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because he is a member of Holy Family Church, Platt Bridge, which has no green bin at the current time, although he has asked for this type of bin recently).
126 CSCI annual performance assessment 2007/08: The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Health and Wellbeing, which informed Members of the outcome of the annual performance assessment of social care services for Adult Services.
The Adult Services Panel had considered the report (minute 51 refers).
The Cabinet had considered the report (minute 202 refers).
Members asked various questions on the report and gave their views. Reference was made in particular to the improvements in training and the investments in the Safeguarding Board.
Resolved: The Committee notes the report now submitted.
(Councillor G M Bretherton declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item because he was a Member of the Adult Services Panel that considered the report at the meeting held on 20 January 2009 and left the meeting at this point. Mr B Turrell declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because his wife works in a local care home).
127 Bickershaw Country Park (The Rushes) Selection of Strategic Manager: The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director of Environmental Services, that updated Members on the selection process for the Strategic Manager for Bickershaw Country Park (The Rushes).
Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside had asked for a report back on this item as part of the forward plan (minute 109 refers).
Members asked various questions on the report and gave their views.
Resolved: The Committee notes the progress being made to select a Strategic Manager for Bickershaw Country Park (The Rushes).
128 Questions (if any) on the Business of the Cabinet: There were none.
129 Wigan Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB) – minutes of the meeting held on 28 July, 22 September and 24 November 2008: The minutes of the meeting of Wigan Safeguarding Children Board held on 28 July, 22 September and 24 November 2008 were submitted for information.
The Deputy Chief Executive reported that ongoing training in relation to safeguarding would be arranged for Members of the Council and staff and a Members Seminar would be arranged for March 2009.
Resolved: The Committee:
- notes the minutes now submitted;
- requests that in future the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services to submits a report accompanying the minutes which summarises the key points; and
- notes the arrangements for ongoing training and Members Seminar.
130 Questions on the business of the forward plan: There were none.
131 Select Committee No 1 (PACT’s) minutes: There were none.
132 Select Committee No 2 (Recycling) minutes – 13 January 2009: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 2 (Recycling) held on 13 January 2009 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No 2 - Recycling 13 January 2009
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor F B Walker (Chairman)
- Councillor P L Holland
132.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors R J Derricutt, G W Fairhurst, J Miller, G Wilkes and N R Whittingham and Mr B Turrell (Co-opted Member).
132.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 17 December 2008 were approved as a correct record.
132.3 Draft report: Members read through the draft report and highlighted any amendments that needed making and areas where more information was required.
Resolved: The report to be noted
132.4 Date of next meeting: Resolved: The next meeting of this Select Committee be held on 26 January 2009.
Chairman
133 Select Committee No 2 (Recycling) minutes – 26 January 2009: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 2 (Recycling) held on 26 January 2009 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Select Committee No 2 - Recycling 26 January 2009
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor F B Walker (Chairman)
- Councillor N R Whittingham
133.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors R J Derricutt, G W Fairhurst, L Holland, J Miller and G Wilkes and Mr B Turrell (Co-opted Member).
133.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 13 December 2009 were approved as a correct record.
133.3 Final report: Members read through and approved the final report.
Resolved: The report to be noted
Chairman
134 Select Committee No 3 (Tendering) minutes – 12 January 2009: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 3 (Tendering) held on 12 January 2009 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee No. 3 - Tendering 12 January 2009
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside (Chairman)
- Councillor H L Cadman
- Councillor B J Fagan
- Councillor G Wilkes
- Reverend Deacon R Moore (Co-opted member)
134.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors Mrs B Bourne and G W Fairhurst.
134.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 8 December 2008 were approved as a correct record.
134.3 Presentation from the Head of Procurement, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust: The Head of Procurement (B Mangan) gave a presentation to the Select Committee regarding the tendering and procurement procedures at the Trust. The Select Committee drew conclusions about the differences between these procedures and those of Wigan Council. The Select Committee were particularly interested in electronic tendering, which the Trust was currently developing and how this might be adopted for use by the Council.
Resolved: The Select Committee:-
- thanks Mr Mangan for his presentation and his offer to work with Wigan Council on electronic tendering;
- agrees that Wigan Council should examine electronic tendering; and
- agrees that the Policy Officer will produce a compendium of information around the AGMA collaborative hub.
134.4 Progress Review – The Select Committee considered its next steps in relation to the work plan.
Resolved: The Select Committee agrees to carry out a full progress review at the next meeting.
(Councillor G Wilkes declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because of his employment at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust).
134.5 Date and time of next meeting: Resolved: The next meeting of this Select Committee be held on 26 January 2009 at 6.00 p.m.
Chairman
135 Select Committee No 3 (Tendering) minutes – 26 January 2009: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 3 (Tendering) held on 26 January 2009 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Committee notes the minutes now submitted as referred to below:
Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee No. 3 - Tendering 26 January 2009
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside (Chairman)
- Councillor H L Cadman
- Councillor G Wilkes
135.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors Mrs B Bourne, G Wilkes and G W Fairhurst and Reverend Deacon R Moore.
135.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 12 January 2009 were approved as a correct record.
135.3 Progress Review: The Select Committee reviewed its progress against the work plan. The Policy Officer tabled an interim progress report which will form part of the final report. This included a comparison of the contract procedures with other AGMA authorities.
Resolved: The Select Committee:-
- agrees that it now has a thorough understanding of the tendering processes carried out by the Council;
- agrees that probity and legality have now been investigated; and
- asks to see some reports of the Audit and Governance Committee that detail exceptions to the rule of obtaining three quotes.
135.4 Progress Review – The Select Committee considered its next steps. It agreed to examine further the adherence of Council departments to the Corporate Procurement procedures.
Questions were agreed at the meeting.
Resolved: The Select Committee:-
- invites the Head of Highways and Traffic Management to attend the next meeting to discuss the procurement of Christmas decorations;
- invites the Service Manager from Adult Services to attend a future meeting; and
- circulates the questions to Members of the Select Committee before the meeting.
Resolved: The Select Committee agrees to carry out a full progress review at the next meeting.
135.5 Date and time of next meeting: Resolved: The next meeting of this Select Committee be held on 9 February 2009 at 4.00 p.m.
Chairman
136 Select Committee No 4 (Health) minutes – 28 January 2009: The minutes of the meeting of Select Committee No 4 (Health) held on 28 January 2009 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 17 December 2008
Present at the meeting:
- Councillor C Rigby (Chairman)
- Councillor Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor M W Winstanley
136.1 Apologies for absence: Councillors G M Bretherton, M A Dewhurst, B J Fagan and Ms P L Holland.
136.2 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Select Committee held on 17 December 2008 were approved as a correct record.
136.3 LINks : Presentation and proposals for working with The Select Committee : The Select Committee received an explanation about the draft documents and protocols from A Turner and K Wilson, Project Workers for the Carers Federation, LINks host organisation. Support officers and Members commented and discussed the proposed documents and protocols.
Resolved: The Select Committee:-
- thanks Mrs A Turner and Mrs K Wilson for the briefing;
- agrees to respond with additional comments about the proposals to D. Taylor;
- agrees to check legal protocols with regards to membership to groups and Co-opted Members; and
- agrees to forward any comments regarding the LINks governance document to D.Taylor.
136.4 Update and Progress on the topic area: The Select Committee received an update on the progress of the topic area and consultation documents from D.Taylor.
Resolved: The Select Committee:-
- thanks D.Taylor for the update; and
- agrees to forward any questions relevant to the topic area for the next meeting to D Taylor.
136.5 Annual Health Check : The Select Committee received and update regarding the forthcoming Annual Health Check meeting from D. Taylor.
Resolved: The Select Committee:
- thanks D. Taylor for the update; and
- agrees the date of the Annual Health Check meeting for Wednesday 4 March 2009.
136.6 North West Ambulance Trust Communications and Engagement Strategy and consultation Update : The Select Committee received a briefing regarding the communications and engagement strategy and the 5 boroughs consultation document.
Resolved The Select Committee:-
- thanks D.Taylor for the briefing; and
- agrees to contribute any comments regarding both consultation documents by 10 February 2009.
136.7 Date and time of next meeting: Resolved: The next meeting of this Select Committee will be held on 25 February 2009 at 6.00 p.m.
Chairman
137 Dates and times of meetings 2009/10: The Committee considered a draft programme of dates and times of meetings of the Council, Cabinet and Committees for 2009/10. The Cabinet at minute 193 had invited comments from Committees.
Resolved: The Committee endorses the draft programme of dates and times of meetings for 2009/10 now submitted.
138 Establishment of an Overview and Scrutiny (Co-ordinating) Committee and four Scrutiny Committees: The Committee considered a report from the Service Director – Borough Solicitor, which advised Members of the feedback on recent consultation carried out with Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Audit Governance and Improvement Review Committee and the Council’s Advisory Panels on the changes to Advisory Panels and the introduction of themed Scrutiny Committees.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered.
Members asked various questions on the report and gave their views.
The report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 19 February 2009.
Reference was made to the possibility of holding a Seminar for all Members of the Council setting out the options available.
Councillor B J Fagan moved that the proposals for the establishment of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee and the four Scrutiny Committees be rejected. This was not seconded.
Resolved: The Committee:-
- notes the outcome of the consultation; and
- authorises the Service Director – Borough Solicitor to arrange a Members Seminar on the proposals and options available; and
- thanks the Service Director – Borough Solicitor for the comprehensive report.
(Councillor B J Fagan wished that his vote against the establishment of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee and the four Scrutiny Committees be recorded).
139 Budget 2009/10 to 2011/12: The Committee received a presentation from the Executive Director – Business Support Services on the financial projections for the Council over the next three years with specific focus on the budget and Council Tax for 2009/10.
Resolved: The Committee:-
- notes the forecast and the potential costs surrounding the risk areas identified; and
- thanks the Executive Director – Business Support Services for the report.
140 Call ins: There were none.
141 Wigan and Leigh Housing Bid to the new Homes and Communities Agency for new affordable housing: The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environmental Services, which sought approval from Members to submit the proposed bid for new affordable housing to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The bid had been developed to take advantage of new opportunities to acquire grants from the HCA.
Members asked a number of questions on the report and received appropriate responses where they were available.
The report was considered by Cabinet (minute 218 refers) and would be considered by the Community Protection Panel on 16 March 2009.
Resolved: The Committee notes the report.
(Councillor F B Walker declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item because he is a Board Member of Wigan and Leigh Housing and left the meeting at this point).
Chairman
