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 G M Bretherton (Cabinet Champion for Equality and Young People)
- Councillor K Cunliffe (Cabinet Champion for Healthier Communities and Older People)
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon (Cabinet Champion for Children)
- Councillor P Prescott (Cabinet Champion for Lifestyle)
- Councillor C Ready (Cabinet Champion for Improvement)
- Councillor F B Walker (Cabinet Champion for Efficiency)
Officers in attendance
- Christine Charnock- Jones - Principal Committee Services Officer
- Stuart Cowley - Service Director, Strategy and Commissioning, Adult Services
- Ashley Crumbley – Chief Executive of Wigan and Leigh Housing
- Kay Cullen – Trainee Committee Clerk
- Terry Dunn – Service Director – Customer Services
- Gary Finch - Principal Scrutiny Officer
- Rodney F Hill – Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust
- Sue Johnson – Deputy Chief Executive
- Martin Kimber – Executive Director of Environmental Services
- Peter Layland – Head of Housing and Community
- Kevin Lawson – Service Director, Borough Solicitor
- David Mather - Principal Public Relations Advisor
- Paul McKevitt - Service Director - Corporate Services
- Janet Newton - Service Director – Wigan Schools for the Future
- Steve Normington – Service Director - Development
- Steve Peddie – Service Director – Customer Transformation
- David Smith – Executive Director of Business Support Services
- Mark Tilley – Head of Highways and Traffic Management
- Bernard Walker – Executive Director: Health and Well Being
Please note that where a resolution is in bold, then this determines that the report involved a key decision.
28 Apologies for absence: Councillor J B Baldwin (Cabinet Champion for Cultural).
29 Announcements by the Executive Leader: (a) Future Jobs Fund: The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith), on behalf of the Cabinet welcomed the announcement the previous day of the Government's £1 billion Future Jobs Fund, which aimed to produce 150,000 jobs across the country in the public sector, with approximately 560 new jobs being created in Wigan.
(b) Stuart Cowley - Service Director, Strategy and Commissioning, Adult Services: The Executive Leader also welcomed Mr Stuart Cowley to his first meeting of the Cabinet.
(c) Martin Kimber – Executive Director of Environmental Services: The Executive Leader congratulated Mr Martin Kimber on his recent appointment as Chief Executive at Rotherham Council.
(d) Katherine Fairclough - Service Director Business Transformation: The Executive Leader congratulated Katherine Fairclough on her recent appointment as Assistant Chief Executive at Warrington Council.
30 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 2 July 2009 were approved as a correct record.
31 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 |
Wigan Council’s Bid for Social Housing Grant for new Build Development |
48 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the council) |
| E2 |
Saddle Relief Road Scheme |
49 |
6 (Information which reveals that the authority proposes:-
(a) to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or
(b) to make an order or direction under any enactment). |
| E3 |
Exception to Contract Procedure for Specialist Works to a Highway Culvert - Chorley Road, Standish |
50 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the council) |
32 Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Consultation on vision and stage 1 consultation on phase one proposals (minute 27 refers): The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which was presented by the Service Director – Borough Solicitor, Kevin Lawson and the Service Director – Wigan Schools for the Future, Janet Newton, which advised on the outcome of the initial consultation process on the educational vision and the stage 1 consultation on the phase 1 proposals.
The Service Directors referred to the main points contained within the report.
The report set out details of the alternative options that had emerged from the consultation and these were contained within sections 9.4 and 9.5 of the report.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The Cabinet Champion for Children (Councillor Mrs S Loudon) gave her views on each aspect of the report. In relation to section 10.2 of the report, she congratulated the staff, governors and head teachers for the pro active way in which they had assisted with the proposals to discontinue with Lowton and Golborne High Schools and to establish a new school. The Cabinet Champion also referred to the need to consider transport issues and in particular to review the yellow bus arrangements in certain areas.
The Cabinet paid tribute to the work undertaken by the Gilded Hollins campaign group.
The Executive Leader reminded Members of the success of the already established Abraham Guest school site.
Correspondence had been circulated from Councillors K Anderson, J D O’Brien and C Rigby, requesting that Gilded Hollins Primary School continued to be maintained and omitted from the current proposals. A letter had also been circulated from Councillors G M Bretherton, M Klieve and Y Klieve referring to the amalgamation of Lowton and Golborne High Schools.
Resolved: The Cabinet:
- agrees to the proposals for the future delivery of the 14 – 19 curriculum as outlined in section 9.1 of the report;
- delegates to the Executive Director of Children and Young People's Services, authority to consent to applications from schools to join one of the existing Skills Centres or any new company set up for the purposes set out in this report;
- delegates authority to the Executive Director of Children and Young People's Services to begin stage 1 consultation to significantly enlarge Lowton J and I primary schools and relocate it on the site of Lowton Civic Centre as part of the learning campus.
- agrees to take no further steps in relation to the proposal to close Leigh Gilded Hollins Primary School at this time.
- agrees to consult schools on the proposed admissions criteria outlined in sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.5 and 9.6 of the report.
- requests the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services to undertake the following:-
- publish statutory notices to discontinue Lowton High School and Golborne High School with effect from 31 August 2011 and establish a new school, through competition procedures, for 1500 pupils with effect from 1 September 2011 on the Lowton Civic Hall site;
- not to submit proposals from the Local Authority under the competition process for the new Lowton/Golborne High School or any new co-located Primary School;
- publish statutory notices to discontinue Hesketh Fletcher CE High School from 31 August 2012 and enlarge Westleigh High School from 1 September 2012 from 775 to 1250 pupils;
- publish statutory notices to enlarge Hindley High School from 935 to 1125 pupils from 1 September 2012 on its existing site;
- conduct capital expenditure appraisals for the above proposals from the Building Schools for the Future Programme; and
- conduct capital expenditure appraisals for the Western Learning Alliance from within existing capital resources and for the Eastern Learning Alliance from the Building Schools for the Future Programme.
(Councillor K Anderson declared a prejudicial interest in this item because he believed that he had fettered his interest in relation to Gilded Hollins Primary School prior to the meeting and left the meeting during that part of the debate. Councillor G M Bretherton declared a prejudicial interest in this item because he believed that he had fettered his interest in relation to Lowton and Golborne High Schools prior to the meeting and left the meeting during that part of the debate).
33 Free Swimming for All Proposals – Capital Funding: The Cabinet considered a joint report, of the Executive Director; Health and Well Being and the Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Messrs Bernard Walker and Rodney Hill, which was presented by Bernard Walker. The report sought approval to include the refurbishment scheme at Ashton Leisure Centre in the Council’s capital programme in order to refurbish the swimming pools, plant and equipment and changing room facilities, together with the request to submit further bids to Government by 4 September 2009, to refurbish swimming pool facilities at Hindley and Tyldesley.
The Executive Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
The report set out details of the alternative options. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to access the £600,304 Central Government capital funding to refurbish the swimming pools, plant and equipment and changing room facilities at Ashton Leisure Centre. This would encourage new customers to use the swimming pool facilities as part of the Governments free swimming scheme.
Resolved: The Cabinet:
- agrees to the inclusion of the refurbishment scheme at Ashton Leisure Centre on to the Council’s Capital programme;
- delegates authority to the Executive Director of Health and Wellbeing to procure via tender the capital refurbishment works to Ashton Leisure Centre in accordance with the attached CPR1;
- agrees that the officers submit capital funding bids to Round 2 of the Government’s Capital funding scheme for Tyldesley Pool and Hindley Pool.
34 Alley Gating Policy: The Cabinet considered a report, which was presented by the Executive Director of Environmental Services, Martin Kimber, which sought approval on the proposed changes to the referral mechanisms in implementing alley gates. A guide to installing alley gates on alley ways was appended to the report.
The Executive Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
The report set out details of the alternative options. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to meet the demands of the alley gates, subject to the availability of financial resources.
The Building Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee had considered this report at its meeting held on 27 July 2009 (minute 6 refers) and had supported the proposals.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the inclusion of the PACT process in the referral mechanism for alley gates and the circulation of the alley gates information guide.
35 Review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Environmental Services, which was presented by the Head of Housing and Community, Peter Layland, giving details of the progress of the review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy and outlining the draft framework proposed by the working group led by Wigan and Leigh Housing. The report sought approval to undertake wider consultation.
The Head of Housing and Community referred to the main points contained within the report
The report set out details of the alternative option. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to undertake a wider stakeholder consultation around the draft framework.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the following:-
- anti social behaviour issues and the effect on long established tenants;
- former Council properties which were now privately rented properties;
- home visits; and
- training in safeguarding in relation to home visits;
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the contents of the report and approves the commencement of a wider consultation.
36 Corporate Strategy 2009/12: The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive, which was presented by the Deputy Chief Executive, Sue Johnson, giving details of the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2009-12 for agreement.
The Officer referred to the main points contained within the report
The report set out details of the alternative option. The reason for selecting the one recommended was for the Council to have a corporate strategy as good practice.
The report would be considered at a future meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the corporate strategy for 2009-12, subject to final negotiation and agreement of specific targets being delegated to the appropriate Executive Director and Cabinet Portfolio Member.
37 Customer Transformation Programme: The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive, which was presented by Service Director, Customer Transformation, Steve Peddie, and Service Director, Customer Services, Terry Dunn, on the progress in the area of ‘customer transformation.’
The vision for the customer services transformation was based on five key deliverables:-
- a unified call centre approach;
- a Hub and Spokes model of delivery;
- enhanced online access;
- IT system integration; and
- signposting support.
The report set out details of the alternative options. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to secure the deliverables described in the timescales suggested at the costs outlined.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the following:-
- timescales for the completion of the phases;
- savings that will be accrued; and
- the need for plain english in reports.
The Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee had considered this report at minute 25 and a copy of the minute extract was circulated at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves the project being taken forward as described in the report in order to secure the deliverables and timescales at the costs as outlined; and
- thanks the staff involved with the report.
38 Wigan and Leigh Housing Performance 2008/09 and progress against priorities within the business plan: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Environmental Services, on the performance of Wigan and Leigh Housing during 2008/09. The report also sought approval of the 2009/10 priorities, as set out within the Wigan and Leigh Housing business plan.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the following:-
- homelessness; and
- satisfaction of repairs to Council dwellings.
The Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee had considered the report at its meeting held on 29 July 2009 (minute 16 refers) and had supported the proposals.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the performance of Wigan and Leigh Housing for 2008/09; and
- approves the 2009/10 priorities, as set out within the Wigan and Leigh Housing business plan.
- agrees to receive a copy of the tenant and residents participation evidence from the Executive Director of Environmental Services.
39 Medium term financial strategy 2010/11-2014/15: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Business Support Services, David Smith, which was presented by the Service Director - Corporate Services, Paul McKevitt, on the financial projections for the Council over the next five years, with specific focus on the budget and Council Tax prospects for 2010/11.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that a substantial increase in Council Tax could result in a cap being imposed.
The Executive Director referred to issues affecting the medium term financial strategy relating to the pay award and pay and reward issues and agreed to offer any support to Councillors in these areas. Cabinet Members had previously referred to information circulated by the local Unison branch on Building Schools for the Future and on Pay and Reward, and the Executive Director indicated he would be writing to regional Unison official expressing concern at the accuracy and tone of some of the comments. Cabinet had previously recognised the need to prioritise support to facilities for young people in the Borough and the provision of centres in both Wigan and Leigh – this would be discussed further at the next Executive Briefing including the need for revenue support for any facilities built.
The Executive Director also advised the Cabinet on the good progress made in relation to Leigh Sports Village and on a solution relating to the enhancements of the football pitch within the athletics track which would in turn help facilitate the relocation of Christchurch Pennington School on the Sports Village site. He also referred to negotiations with partners on site
Reference was also made to the major information technology changes.
It was noted that reference on page 417 of the report to the Passenger Transport Authority Levy – additional infrastructure levy (additional 3%) was for 6 years and not 3 as stated in the report.
The Executive Leader referred to the work undertaken by the Chief Executive, Joyce Redfearn on behalf of Greater Manchester in negotiations with Government over Total Place and the Statutory City Region pilot.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the forecast, the potential costs surrounding the risk areas identified;
- asks Strategic Management Team to give further consideration to the process for growth and reductions;
- delegates authority to the Executive Director of Business Support Services to write to Unison expressing concern at recent comments made and literature published by them which was inaccurate relating to Building Schools for the Future and pay and reward issues; and
- delegates authority to the Executive Director of Business Support Services, following consultation with the Executive Leader to enter negotiations to enhance the football pitch within the athletics track at Leigh Sports Village, subject to satisfactory negotiations with Leigh Harriers and that the outcome of the negotiations be reported back to Cabinet in due course.
(Councillor D T Molyneux declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because he is a Board Members of Leigh Sports Village Ltd).
40 Budget Principles and Timetable 2010/11: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which was presented by the Service Director - Corporate Services, which informed Members of the strategic budget timetable. The report also requested Members to consider revised budget principles in line with the budget strategy.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that an approved timetable underpinned the effective management of the statutory budget process. This together with the introduction of three year departmental budgeting was seen as best practice in the Audit Commission key lines of enquiry.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees the principles and the timetable for the 2010/11 budget process.
41 Financial Monitoring Quarter 1: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which was presented by the Service Director - Corporate Services, on the progress of budgets against spending to the end of June 2009, together with a review of the operation and exercise of delegated treasury management powers. In addition, the report reviewed the credit rating of the organisations with which the Council could place its surplus funds.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the report and the action being taken to contain spending within the agreed budgets where possible;
- agrees to the deletion of Leeds and Nationwide building societies from the authority’s lending list;
- agrees to the inclusion of Northern Rock plc to the authority’s lending list; and
- agrees to increase the maximum investment periods of less than 364 days for Barclays plc and Coventry Building Society in addition to Northern Rock as per guidance from the Council’s own financial advisors.
42 Children’s Social Care Revenue Budget Monitoring: The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Directors of Children and Young People’s Services and Business Support Services, which was presented by the Service Director - Corporate Services, which gave details of the budget monitoring position for children’s social care services at 31 May 2009.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that due to the volatile nature of a number of needs led social care budgets, it had been agreed that monthly monitoring was provided for members to alert them to potential problems at the earliest opportunity.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the robust budget monitoring.
43 Feedback from Scrutiny Committees: Scrutiny Committee Work Plans 2009/10: The Cabinet considered a report, which was presented by the Principal Officer – Scrutiny, Gary Finch, on the outcome of the work programme planning session held in June 2009 and the progress that had been made in creating work plans for each of the Scrutiny Committees. The report also identified potential topics which could be investigated by the two Scrutiny Select Committees.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
The Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee had considered this report at minute 19 and a copy of the minute extract was circulated at the meeting.
The Co-ordinating Committee had chosen the following areas for the Select Committees to consider:-
- that Scrutiny Select Committee No.1 will investigate the topic – Alcohol and substance misuse and its effect on youth crime and will be chaired by Councillor Mrs J Prescott; and
- that Scrutiny Select Committee No.2 will investigate the topic – Not in employment and education and will be chaired by Councillor Mrs P L Holland.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the report.
44 Gambling Act 2005 – Gambling Policy Statement 2010-2013: The Cabinet considered a report, which was presented by the Executive Director of Environmental Services, which advised Members of the revised gambling policy statement which was required under the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005. A copy of the draft statement was appended to the report.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
The Licensing Committee had considered this report at minute 18 and a copy of the minute extract was circulated at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves:-
- the draft revised gambling policy statement as the consultation document for the Gambling Act 2005.
- the timetable for the consultation period, consideration of responses to the consultation exercise and the submission of reports on the amended gambling policy to the Licensing Committee, Cabinet and Council as appropriate.
45 Licensing Act 2003 Policy Statement 2010-2011: The Cabinet considered a report, which was presented by the Executive Director of Environmental Services, which advised Members of the revised licensing policy statement, which was required under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2005. A copy of the draft statement was appended to the report.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
The Executive Director had asked that the statement be reviewed after one year as opposed to three so that the Department would be in a position to respond quickly to the strengthened powers enabling establishments to sell alcohol.
The Licensing Committee had considered this report at minute 19 and a copy of the minute extract was circulated at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves:-
- the draft revised licensing policy statement as the consultation document for the Licensing Act 2003.
- the revised timetable for the consultation period, consideration of responses to the consultation exercise and the submission of reports on the amended licensing policy be submitted to the Licensing Committee, Cabinet and Council as appropriate.
46 Single Commissioning Agency – Joint Shadow Board: The minutes of the meeting of the Single Commissioning Agency – Joint Shadow Board from 5 June 2009 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the minutes now submitted.
47 Adult Services Performance Plan 2009/12: The Cabinet considered a report, which was presented by the Executive Director; Health and Wellbeing on the service priorities, performance targets and work programme, through the Adult Services Performance Pan 2009-12.
The report set out details of the alternative option. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that the work programme was core to the Adult Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and that Scrutiny Committee had considered this report at minute 20.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the performance plan for 2009/12.
The meeting was adjourned at 5.30 p.m. with a re commencement time of 6.00 p.m.
48 Wigan Council’s Bid for Social Housing Grant for new Build Development (minute 25 refers): The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Environmental Services, which was presented by the Head of Housing and Community, Peter Layland, which proposed the Council bid for new house building and sought approval for its submission.
The report set out details of the alternative option. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to seek value for money for the Council.
The Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee had considered the report at its meeting held on 29 July 2009 (minute 18 refers) and had supported the proposals.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- accepts the report;
- supports the submission of the bid for new Council housing development comprising the two sites to the Homes and Communities Agency; and
- agrees to receive further reports and proposals as necessary, covering the progress of this bid.
49 Saddle Relief Road Scheme: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Environmental Services, advising of the work that had been undertaken to develop a scheme to address the congestion in the area around the Saddle Junction. This scheme would form a regeneration platform for the area and future economic development activity.
The report set out details of the alternative option. The reason for selecting the one recommended was that it is the preferred option from both an engineering aspect and a regeneration aspect.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the following:-
- To allocate £1.5 million in 2010/11 from the Transport Infrastructure Fund (TIF) to part fund the scheme.
- The submission of a planning application.
- To open negotiations with affected land owners with a view to acquiring land not currently held by the Council in order to progress the project, subject to adequate funding being in place.
- To give authority, in principle, to use compulsory purchase powers if required to acquire the land needed, subject to formal Cabinet approval.
- To give authority to request financial contributions from developers in the area.
- To give authority to negotiate with the NWDA for contributions to project costs, to prepare and submit appropriate funding applications.
- To explore financial model of prudential borrowing to bridge funding gap.
- To give authority to approach surrounding landowners to rationalise access on to Saddle, particularly ASDA.
- To receive a further report in January 2010.
50 Exception to Contract Procedure for Specialist Works to a Highway Culvert, Chorley Road, Standish: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Environmental Services, seeking an exception to contract procedure rules for the renewal of a collapsing highway culvert under the carriageway of Chorley Road, Standish near to number 14.
The report set out details of the alternative option. The reason for selecting the one is the complexity and unknown scope of the work.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees that the day work rates submitted by Grisedale 2000 Limited be accepted:
Leader
The meeting concluded at 6.20 p.m.
