Present at the
- 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 S C Barnes
- Councillor Mrs J Beswick
- Councillor J S Birch
- Councillor R M Bleakley
- Councillor B Bowen
- Councillor N A Bradbury
- Councillor G M Bretherton
- Councillor R Brierley
- 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 Ms L E Fagan
- Councillor Mrs D Fairhurst
- Councillor G W Fairhurst
- Councillor Mrs 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 M Klieve
- Councillor Mrs Y Klieve
- Councillor P A Liptrot
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
- Councillor K W McManus
- 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 C Sweeney
- Councillor J Talbot
- Councillor P Thompson
- 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
67 Apologies for Absence: Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, Mrs B Bourne, G A Fairhurst, Mrs J Hurst, R T Splaine and M W Winstanley
68 Minutes: The minutes of the proceedings of the two meetings of the Council held on 7 January 2009 (pages 385 and 387) were approved as correct records, subject to the inclusion of Councillors S Dawber, J Hilton, Mrs J Hurst, J Miller, N R Whittingham and W J Wilkes in the list of Members present for the special meeting and also the inclusion of Councillor W Rotherham in the list of Members against the amendment at minute 61 of the second meeting and signed by the Mayor.
69 Exclusion of the public: The item previously referred to as item E1 would now be taken in open session as item 8 (k) on the agenda.
70 Mayor’s Communications: (a) Alison Green - Freedom of the City of London: The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated Alison Green (formerly of Worsley Mesnes) on receiving one of the Capital’s highest honours – the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of her work for British industry over the past 15 years.
(b) Mayor’s charity update: The Mayor advised that the total amount raised for the Mayor’s charity for 2008/09 was £28,891.13 with some money outstanding.
(c) UK Youth Parliament MPs: The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated Mark Talbot and Devan Lucas on being elected as Youth Parliament MPs and also Sean Bates and Jill McKiernan for being the elected Deputies.
(d) Retirement of Mr Graham Wood as Chairman of the Standards Committee: The Mayor informed Members of the impending retirement of Mr Graham Wood, Chairman of the Standards Committee at the end of the current municipal year.
Members of the Council paid tribute to the service of Mr Wood since his appointment as Chairman.
Resolved: The Council extends to Mr Graham Wood best thanks for his significant contribution to the Council.
71 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.
Resolved: The Council:
- notes the progress that has been made on the outstanding motions referred to Cabinet and the responses in relation to motions 1-3 as detailed in the report; and
- agrees that Cabinet’s response to motion 4 is reported back to the next meeting of the Council on 29 April 2009.
72 The Policy Framework or the Budget Framework: There were none.
73 Constitutional issues: (a) Changes in membership/appointment of Members to Committees/Panels: The Council considered a report informing Members of changes in membership of political groups and a consequent need to reallocate seats and make appropriate appointments.
A nomination was received at the meeting for Councillor B J Fagan to replace Councillor P A Tushingham as the Democratic Alliance representative on the Council’s Pay and Reward Panel.
Resolved: The Council approves the seat reallocations and agrees the following appointments to Committees and Panels:
- Councillor J D Hodgkinson to replace Councillor B Merry on the Children and Young People’s Services Panel;
- Councillor J Ellis to replace Councillor J D Hodgkinson on the Planning Committee;
- Councillor N A Bradbury to replace Councillor J Ellis on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;
- Councillor J N Grundy to replace Councillor R J Derricutt on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;
- Councillors R T Derricutt and E N Houlton be appointed to the Audit Governance and Improvement Review Committee;
- Councillor P Thompson be appointed to the AGMA Scrutiny Pool in place of;
- Councillor M W Winstanley be appointed to the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority in place of Councillor B J Fagan;
- Councillor S F Ell be appointed to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority in place of Councillor R T Derricutt;
- Councillor Mrs J M Peet to replace Councillor J N Grundy on the Community Protection Panel;
- Councillor R M Bleakley be removed from the Membership of the Audit and Governance and Improvement Review Committee and added to the membership of the Environment Panel;
- Councillor B J Fagan be appointed to the Regeneration Panel; and
- Councillor B J Fagan to replace Councillor P A Tushingham on the Pay and Reward Panel.
(b) Changes in membership/appointment of Members to outside bodies: The Council considered a report dealing with the appointments to outside bodies.
Resolved: (1)The Council agrees the following appointments to outside bodies:
- Mr N Hudson, Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, as a nominated trustee to the Hindley and Abram Grammar School Foundation;
- the re-appointment of Miss J McKiernan and Mr F Rothwell as Nominated Trustees to Leigh Educational Endowment for a four year term from September 2008;
- Mr W Brown as nominated trustee to Leigh Educational Endowment for a four year term from March 2009;
- Mrs L Graham to the Lowton United Charities;
- replace Councillor D T Molyneux with Councillor J Hilton as the Council’s representative on the Red Rose Forest;
- Mr T Morris as nominated trustee to Standish United Charity;
- the re-appointment of Mr D W Atherton and Mr T Woods as nominated trustees to the Upholland Grammar School Educational Fund for a four year term from September 2008 and January 2009 respectively; and
(2) to defer the decision to make an appointment to the vacant nominated trustees post of the Wigan Town in Relief Charity.
(c) Appointment of Co-opted Member: The Council considered a report dealing with the appointment of a new Co-opted Member to the Community Protection Panel.
Resolved: The Council appoints Superintendent Shaun Donnellan as the Co-opted Member to replace Superintendent Lee Bruckshaw on the Community Protection Panel for 2008/09:-
(d) Appointment of LEA 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.
Two nominations had been received for the vacancy at Hindley SureStart.
Resolved: The Council appoints Mrs A Addis as the Local Authority Representative Governor.
(e) Failure of a Local Authority Governor to complete a Criminal Records Bureau Check: The Council considered a report outlining the implications of the failure of a Local Authority Governor to complete a Criminal Records Bureau Check.
Resolved: The Council removes the Governor identified in the report for failure to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check.
(f) Quarterly monitoring of urgent items: To report that there were no urgent items taken to meetings under rule 16 of the access to information rules of the constitution during the period: There were none.
(g) Establishment of an Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee and four Scrutiny Committees: The Council considered a report which was to amend its scrutiny arrangements as follows:
Disestablishment the existing five Advisory Panels and (possibly in a phased manner) the Overview and Scrutiny Select Committees.
Change of name of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee and agreeing the terms of reference of that Committee.
Establishment, and agreement of the terms of reference, of four Scrutiny Committees to mirror the four thematic and delivery partnerships of the Local Strategic Partnership namely:-
- the Children Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee;
- the Adult Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee;
- the Building Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee; and
- the Economy Environment Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee.
- Confirmation of the numbers of Members on the new Committees, either:-
- 15 members on each committee, or
- (as existing) 23 members on Overview and Scrutiny Committee and 12 on each Scrutiny Committee
- Confirmation of call-in arrangements, either:-
- all call-ins to be referred to Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee, or
- all-ins to be referred to relevant Scrutiny Committee or the Overview and Scrutiny Committee if general in nature.
and confirmation as to which members may call-in a decision – report suggests any six Members (other than Executive Members).
- Confirmation of arrangements for Co-opted Members:- either
- confirm existing nomination arrangements,’or
- permit scrutiny committees to review nominations.
An amendment was moved by the Executive Leader and seconded by the Deputy Leader.
On the amendment being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:
Resolved: This Council agrees to the following amendments amend its scrutiny arrangements as follows:
- disestablishing the existing five Advisory Panels, but retaining the Pay and Reward Panel;
- disestablishing the Overview and Scrutiny Select Committees 3 (Ad-Hoc) and 4 (Health);
- retaining the Overview and Scrutiny Select Committees 1 (Ad-Hoc) and 2 (Ad-Hoc) to carry out reviews that the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee or any of the four Scrutiny Committees (with the approval of the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee) may refer to them;
- agreeing that Articles 6.06 and 6.07 (referred to at pages 72 and 73 on the agenda) shall apply to the reviews undertaken by Scrutiny Select Committees 1 (Ad-Hoc) and 2 (Ad-Hoc);
- changing the name of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee and agreeing the terms of reference of that Committee as set out in the appendix to the report;
- establishing, and agreeing the terms of reference (as set out in the appendix to the report), of four Scrutiny Committees to mirror the four thematic and delivery partnerships of the Local Strategic Partnership namely
- The Children Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee
- The Adult Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee
- The Building Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee
- The Economy Environment Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee
- adopting OPTION B in paragraph 16 of the report, that is, having 15 members on each of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-Ordinating Committee and the four Scrutiny Committees;
- agreeing to having 9 Members on Overview and Scrutiny Select Committees 1 (Ad-Hoc) and 2 (Ad-Hoc) (for Members information the current 4 Select Committees have memberships of 10, 9, 6 and 7 respectively);
- adopting OPTION B(i) in paragraph 21 of the report in relation to call-in arrangements, that is, call-ins to be referred to the relevant Scrutiny Committee, or the Overview and Scrutiny Committee if general in nature, with the call-in power lying with the relevant Chairman and Vice-Chairman or any 6 Members who sit on the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee or one of the four Scrutiny Committees;
- adopting OPTION B in paragraph 26 of the report in relation to arrangements for Co-Opted Members, that is, that each of the Scrutiny Committees should consider whether it is still appropriate to have permanent Co-opted Members on their Scrutiny Committees;
- that when the memberships of the Overview and Scrutiny Coordinating Committee, the four Scrutiny Committees and the two Select Committees are decided upon it be recommended that they each have a Chairman appointed from the majority Group on the Council with each having a Vice-Chairman from a minority Group on the Council;
- that Council review the operation of the amended Scrutiny arrangements in time to give effect to any recommended changes in the 2010/2011 Municipal Year; and
- that a Members Seminar be held to inform Members of the effect of the new scrutiny arrangements
(h) Draft dates and times of meetings 2009/2010: The Council considered a report, which outlined a revised draft programme of dates and times of meetings of the Council, Committees and Scrutiny Committees for 2009/10.
Resolved: This Council approve the dates and times as per appendix one to include the dates and times for the new Scrutiny Committees.
(i) Change of style for Mayor Making and Annual Council meeting on 20 May 2009: The Council considered a report which sought Members views on the proposal to change the style of the Mayor Making and Annual Council arrangements for 20 May 2009.
An amendment was moved by the Executive Leader and seconded by the Deputy leader:
that Council agree to hold the Annual Council Meeting at 1.00pm on the 20 May 2009;
- following completion of the ceremonial business (Election of the Mayor for the ensuing Municipal Year, Vote of thanks to retiring Mayor and election of the Deputy Mayor for the ensuing Municipal Year) the meeting will be adjourned for one hour during which appropriate refreshments will be provided; that a pay bar be open at the end of the Annual General Council meeting.
- that the Service Director - Borough Solicitor submit a report to the 29 April 2009 Council Meeting with any suggested amendments required to the Constitution to give effect to the above recommendations for the 2009 Annual Council Meeting and for subsequent Annual Council Meetings.
On the amendment being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:
Resolved: The Council agrees to the report subject to the following amendments:
- that Council agree to hold the Annual Council Meeting at 1.00pm on the 20 May 2009;
- following completion of the ceremonial business (Election of the Mayor for the ensuing Municipal Year, Vote of thanks to retiring Mayor and election of the Deputy Mayor for the ensuing Municipal Year) the meeting will be adjourned for one hour during which appropriate refreshments will be provided;
- that a pay bar be open at the end of the Annual General Council meeting.
- that the Service Director - Borough Solicitor submit a report to the 29 April 2009 Council Meeting with any suggested amendments required to the Constitution to give effect to the above recommendations for the 2009 Annual Council Meeting and for subsequent Annual Council Meetings.
(j) Review of appointment of Honorary Aldermen criteria and update on outstanding nominations: The Council considered a report which reviewed the existing criteria for the eligibility for appointment as an Honorary Alderman of this Borough as approved by the Council at minute 45 (September 2006).
The Honorary Alderman Nominations Committee had met prior to this meeting.
Resolved: The Council recommends that:
- a Special Meeting of the Council is held at 6.00 p m on 15 July 2009 for the purpose of formally conferring the title of Honorary Alderman to former Councillor B M Wilson;
- rule of Procedure 1.1 (iii) is suspended to allow the normal meeting of the Council previously fixed for 29 April 2009 to be held following the special meeting; and
- approval is given for the provision of appropriate refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour prior to the special Meeting of the Council referred to as above.
(k) Job Evaluation Review Panels: The Council considered a report which clarified arrangements for the operation of the appeals procedure under job evaluation.
Resolved: The Council approves the arrangements and operation of appeals relating to evaluations through the review panels referred to in the report and delegates authority to these Review Panels to deal with those appeals.
(Councillor J B Baldwin declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item as his wife is employed by the Children and Young People’s Services Department of the Council (Sims Section))
74 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 198 of the meeting of Cabinet (Response to Haringey joint area review) of 22 January 2009.
Councillor J D Hodgkinson asked a question on minute 208 of the meeting of Cabinet (Joint Service Centre update) of 19 February 2009.
Councillor R M Bleakley asked a question on minute 234 of the meeting of Cabinet (Progress on the housing response to the economic recession) of 19 February 2009.
Councillor J D Hodgkinson made a comment on minute 20 of the meeting of the Appointment s Committee (Appointment of Service Director)) of 29 January 2009.
Councillor N A Bradbury asked a question on 1tem 5 of the meeting of the AGMA Executive (TIF – referendum costs) of 30 January 2009.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) responded to the abovementioned questions and comments.
Councillor R Clayton asked a question on minute 52 of the meeting of the Environment Panel (Questions by members at panel meetings) of 28 January 2009.
The Cabinet Champion for the Environment (Councillor D T Molyneux) responded to the abovementioned question.
75 Questions (if any) under Rules 8 (1)(a) and (c): Councillor J Haley asked a question of which he had given notice under Rule 8 (1)(a), to which the Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) responded.
76 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.
In accordance with Rule of Procedure 10c, Councillor P R C Smith moved the following procedural motion, which was seconded:
The Council agrees to consider the motions submitted in the following order -
(1), (4), (8), (2), (5), (12), (3), (6), (10), (7), (9) and (11)
On the procedural motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried, and it was:-
Resolved: The Council agrees to consider the motions submitted in the following order (1), (4), (8), (2), (5), (12), (3), (6), (10), (7), (9) and (11)
(1) Councillor R M Bleakley submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council notes that 2009 is the 30th anniversary of the Woolworths Store (Manchester) fire where 10 people were tragically killed overcome by smoke and heat.
Council also notes the introduction of the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations (Fire) (Safety) 1988 and its impact on reducing fire fatalities, fire injuries and the economic costs of these fires throughout Wigan Borough and the UK.
Council also notes that the remainder of Europe does not enjoy the same level of fire safety protection in respect of furniture and furnishings on the UK.
Council therefore welcomes the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority’s campaign to ensure that there is no reduction in standards of furniture safety throughout Greater Manchester and the UK - in particular as a result of any proposals which may arise from within the European Community.’
Councillor F B Walker moved the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor J Hilton:-
‘This Council notes that 2009 is the 30th anniversary of the Woolworths Store (Manchester) fire where 10 people were tragically killed overcome by smoke and heat.
Council also notes the introduction of the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations (Fire) (Safety) 1988 and its impact on reducing fire fatalities, fire injuries and the economic costs of these fires throughout Wigan Borough and the UK.
Council also notes that the remainder of Europe does not enjoy the same level of fire safety protection in respect of furniture and furnishings on the UK.
Council therefore welcomes the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority’s campaign launched at the September 2008 Fire Authority meeting which honoured Ian McCartney M.P. for his work first as a Wigan Labour Councillor on the Fire Authority and then as a Labour M. P. in driving through Parliament the 1988 foam filled furniture regulations which have saved so many less affluent peoples lives and his subsequent work to have the regulations also apply to second hand furniture. His latest work is with the Fire Authority to ensure lower standard foam furniture from the E.U. is not allowed into he United Kingdom.’
Councillor R M Bleakley accepted the amendment to the original motion.
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried.
Resolved: This Council:-
- notes that 2009 is the 30th anniversary of the Woolworths Store (Manchester) fire where 10 people were tragically killed overcome by smoke and heat.
- notes the introduction of the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations (Fire) (Safety) 1988 and its impact on reducing fire fatalities, fire injuries and the economic costs of these fires throughout Wigan Borough and the UK.
- notes that the remainder of Europe does not enjoy the same level of fire safety protection in respect of furniture and furnishings on the UK.
- welcomes the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority’s campaign launched at the September 2008 Fire Authority meeting which honoured Ian McCartney M.P. for his work first as a Wigan Labour Councillor on the Fire Authority and then as a Labour M. P. in driving through Parliament the 1988 foam filled furniture regulations which have saved so many less affluent peoples lives and his subsequent work to have the regulations also apply to second hand furniture.
- notes Ian McCartney M.P. latest work with the Fire Authority to ensure lower standard foam furniture from the E.U. is not allowed into he United Kingdom.
(Councillor N D Ash declared a personal and prejudicial interest in motion 1 because of his employment with Ian McCartney M.P. and left the meeting during consideration of this motion)
(Councillor G W Fairhurst requested that his vote against the decision be recorded).
(4) Councillor N A Bradbury submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council withdraws its support for the proposed Guided Busway from Leigh to Manchester following overwhelming disapproval of the scheme by the general public, and the use of what is a failed technology. What is needed for Leigh is a heavy rail link to Manchester joining the Atherton Line at Walkden, with stations at Tyldesley, and Mosley Common; this stop in particular would make an ideal Park and Ride facility.
In order to accommodate the additional traffic through the bottle neck at Salford Crescent another platform would be required; this I understand is already being considered. Once a Heavy Rail link is established in Leigh it would be possible to further develop this scheme to link into Manchester Liverpool line at Kenyon giving Leigh a direct link with Merseyside and the West Coast Main Line.
This Council through our representatives on AGMA and the GMPTA will asks the GMPTE and Network Rail to conduct a feasibility study on this proposal together with detailed costs. I would urge the Leaders of all political groups on this Council to allow their members a free vote on this motion so that they can represent the views of their constituents and not the views of their political parties. Let’s prove that there is still democracy in Wigan. ‘
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 Motion (48): The Mayor (Councillor R Winkworth), the Deputy Mayor (Councillor M Aldred), Councillors K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, Mrs J Atherton, J B Baldwin, J S Birch, B Bowen, G D Bretherton, H Cadman, R Clayton, Dr C M Cottam, P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, M A Dewhurst, Mrs S Dewhurst, J Eccles-Churton, S F Ell, Mrs S Greensmith, J N Grundy, J T W Halliwell, J Hilton, P L Holland, E N Houlton, M Klieve, Mrs Y Klieve, Mrs S Loudon, P Liptrot D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott, C Ready, C Rigby, W Rotherham, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, C Sweeney, J Talbot, P Thompson, Mrs A Turnock, F B Walker, Mrs M J Whiteside and N R Whittingham
Against the motion (8): Councillors N A Bradbury, R J Derricutt, J Ellis, G W Fairhurst, Mrs D Fairhurst, B J Fagan, J Haley, W J Wilkes.
During the debate, the Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) moved the following procedural motion in accordance with Rule of Procedure 10.d, which was seconded to which the mover of the motion agreed:-
This Council refers motion 4 as set out above, submitted by Councillor N A Bradbury, to Cabinet and to report back to the next Council meeting.
On the procedural motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council refers motion 4 as set out above, submitted by Councillor N A Bradbury, to Cabinet and to report back to the next Council meeting.
(Dr Councillor C M Cottam declared a personal and prejudicial interest in motion 4 because her family members would be affected by the Leigh Guided Busway and left the meeting during consideration of this motion.)
(8) Councillor N D Ash submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council deplores all forms of racism and in particular the recent attack on a family in Ashton which forced them to leave their home. This Council is committed to policies that promote racial harmony within the Borough and will work with all agencies including the police to prevent such mindless acts of violence happening again.’
Councillor P A Tushingham moved the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor B J Fagan:-
‘This Council deplores all forms of attacks, whether it is racism, homophobia or religious. This Council is committed to policies that promote racial harmony, tolerance of sexual preference and religious beliefs within the Borough and will work with all agencies, including the police, to prevent such acts happening in future.’
Councillor N D Ash accepted the amendment to the original motion.
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried.
Resolved: This Council deplores all forms of attacks, whether it is racism, homophobia or religious. This Council is committed to policies that promote racial harmony, tolerance of sexual preference and religious beliefs within the Borough and will work with all agencies, including the police, to prevent such acts happening in future.
(2) Councillor R M Bleakley submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council notes the current economic difficulties faced by small businesses and wants to build and strengthen current links with the local business community to develop a clear strategy to assist them through these difficult times.
This Council calls on the Cabinet to urgently consult with local businesses and deliver a plan to aid small businesses in the borough.
We urge the Cabinet to consider, amongst others, the following measures:
- encourage small businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rates Relief to apply for it.
- encourage larger organisations within Wigan Borough to pay small firms promptly, ideally within 20 days.
- use of Local Authority Business Growth Incentive money to help small firms.
- use the Hardship Rate Relief scheme to protect vital small businesses, promote sustainable communities and keep small firms in town centres.
- work with our partners on the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to ensure that local businesses have access to the appropriate information and to consider strategies for encouraging and sustaining local businesses.’
Councillor P R C Smith moved the following procedural motion, which was seconded:
This Council refers motion 2 as set out above, submitted by Councillor R M Bleakley, to Cabinet and to report back to the next Council meeting.
On the procedural motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council refers motion 2 as set out above, submitted by Councillor R M Bleakely, to Cabinet and to report back to the next Council meeting.
(Councillor G W Fairhurst declared a personal and prejudicial interest in motion 2 because he has recently set up a small business in Wigan left the meeting during consideration of this motion. Councillor P A Thompson declared a personal an non prejudicial interest in this item as the is the managing Director of and small to medium enterprise whose registered address is within the Borough)
(5) Councillor J D Hodgkinson submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘That this Council adopts a policy of 'salting or gritting' pavements during the winter months when bad conditions are forecasted. This policy should include local routes to schools, shopping and medical centres. This Council also wishes to express it's appreciation to the Highways DLO for their efforts this winter in keeping our road networks operational at all times.’
Councillor D T Molyneux moved the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor R Clayton:-
‘This Council confirms that it will continue to provide what is considered one of the best gritting services in the Northwest and will continue to clear snow from our town centre pavements when and where practical for the people of this Borough.
This Council also wishes to express its appreciation to the Highways DLP for their efforts this winter in keeping our road network operational at all times.’
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried.
Resolved: ‘This Council confirms that it will continue to provide what is considered one of the best gritting services in the Northwest and will continue to clear snow from our town centre pavements when and where practical for the people of this Borough.
This Council also wishes to express its appreciation to the Highways DLP for their efforts this winter in keeping our road network operational at all times.’
(12) Councillor C Ready submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor J Hilton:-
‘This Council places on record our thanks to the police ,Council officers and the churches for the hard work and dedication in making sure that walks and parades will go ahead this year and many more years to come proving that partnership working in this borough is key to everything we do.’
During discussion of this item, Councillor G Wilkes moved and it was seconded by Councillor B Merry:-
That rules of procedure 4.2 of the constitution (imposition of the guillotine) are suspended:-
On the suspension of the guillotine being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried.
Resolved: This Council places on record our thanks to the police, Council officers and the churches for the hard work and dedication in making sure that walks and parades will go ahead this year and many more years to come proving that partnership working in this borough is key to everything we do.
(3) Councillor R M Bleakely submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘That this Council expresses concern at the decision by United Utilities to introduce a new method of calculating surface water charges and highways drainage services, known as site area charging; recognises the negative impact this will have on churches and other community organisation throughout Wigan Borough which, in some cases, will now face increases in their charges in excess of £1,000 per year as they are being treated in the same way as all other non-household customers. This Council therefore calls on United Utilities to review the decision to impose site area charging on churches and community organisations throughout Wigan Borough which cannot afford such huge increases in their water bills.’
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried.
Resolved: This Council expresses concern at the decision by United Utilities to introduce a new method of calculating surface water charges and highways drainage services, known as site area charging; recognises the negative impact this will have on churches and other community organisation throughout Wigan Borough which, in some cases, will now face increases in their charges in excess of £1,000 per year as they are being treated in the same way as all other non-household customers.
This Council therefore calls on United Utilities to review the decision to impose site area charging on churches and community organisations throughout Wigan Borough which cannot afford such huge increases in their water bills
(Councillor P A Tushingham declared a personal and non prejudicial Interest in this item because he is a member of the church council. Councillor Mrs J Beswick declared a personal and non prejudicial Interest in this item because she is a member of the Methodist Church circuit concerned.)
The guillotine was reached at this point and the Mayor called for a vote on the following items under discussion without further debate.
(6) Councillor G Wilkes submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council views the Greater Manchester Police Authority precept rise of 7.5% as unwarranted and distasteful towards the Council Tax payers of Wigan and Leigh.
This Council will request the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to insist the Government cap Greater Manchester Police to a level that is more appropriate to the current finical climate.’
Councillor G Wilkes supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the motion or abstaining from voting.
Against the Motion (57): The Mayor (Councillor R Winkworth), the Deputy Mayor (Councillor M Aldred), Councillors K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, J Atherton, J B Baldwin, J S Birch, B Bowen, N Bradbury, G D Bretherton, H Cadman, R Clayton, Dr C M Cottam, P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, M A Dewhurst, Mrs S Dewhurst, J Eccles-Churton, S Ell, J Ellis, Mrs D Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst, Mrs S Greensmith, J Grundy, J Haley,T W Halliwell, J Hilton, D Hodgkinson, P L Holland, E Houlton, M Klieve, Mrs Y Klieve, Mrs S Loudon, B Merry, D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott, C Ready, C Rigby, W Rotherham, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, C Sweeney, J Talbot, P Thompson, Mrs A Turnock, F B Walker, G Wilkes, W Wilkes, Mrs M J Whiteside and N Whittingham.
or the Motion: (1): P Liptrot
Abstention (7): Councillors Mrs J Beswick, R M Bleakley, W Carney, R J Derricutt, B J Fagan, L Fagan, J Miller and P A Tushingham.
Resolved: On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
(10) Councillor P R C Smith submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council supports a strategy of encouraging more people and businesses to “buy local” as a way of minimising the impact of the recession.’
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council supports a strategy of encouraging more people and businesses to ‘buy local’ as a way of minimising the impact of the recession.
(7) Councillor G Wilkes submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council congratulates The National Trust in their decision to make available land for a thousand new allotments on or near stately homes, which they manage.
With the high number of people waiting for an allotment in Wigan and Leigh this Council through the Wigan Leisure Culture Trust will make land available at the Haigh Hall estate for a similar scheme so people, Schools and the Community from the Borough can benefit from growing their own fruit and vegetables.’
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
(Councillor G Wilkes declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this motion as his name is on a waiting list for an allotment and he is a member of the National Trust. Dr Councillor C M Cottam declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this motion as she is a member of the National Trust)
(9) Councillor P R C Smith submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council recognises the difficulties for many people of affordability in housing and, working with the new government policy, commits to building new council houses.’
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council recognises the difficulties for many people of affordability in housing and, working with the new government policy, commits to building new council houses.
(11) Councillor P R C Smith submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
‘This Council endorses the view of Cabinet that we should not invest any Council money in banks that pay excessive bonuses to their staff.’
On the motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council endorses the view of Cabinet that we should not invest any Council money in banks that pay excessive bonuses to their staff.
