Present at the meeting:
- The Mayor (Councillor M Aldred)
- The Deputy Mayor (Councillor H L Cadman)
- Councillor Mrs K Aldred
- Councillor K Anderson
- Councillor N D Ash
- Councillor Miss J Atherton
- Councillor J B Baldwin
- Councillor Mrs J Beswick
- Councillor A M L Bland
- Councillor R M Bleakley
- Councillor B Bowen
- Councillor N A Bradbury
- Councillor R Brierley
- 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 J Eccles-Churton
- Councillor S F Ell
- Councillor J Ellis
- Councillor B J Fagan
- Councillor G A Fairhurst
- Councillor G W Fairhurst
- Councillor Mrs S J Greensmith
- Councillor J N Grundy
- Councillor J Haley
- Councillor J Hilton
- Councillor J D Hodgkinson
- Councillor Ms P L Holland
- Councillor E N Houlton
- Councillor Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor M Klieve
- Councillor Mrs Y Klieve
- Councillor P A Liptrot
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
- Councillor K W McManus
- 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 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 P Thompson
- Councillor Mrs A Turnock
- Councillor P A Tushingham
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside
- Councillor G Wilkes
- Councillor W J Wilkes
- Councillor M W Winstanley
17 Apologies for Absence: Councillors S C Barnes, J S Birch, Mrs B Bourne, G M Bretherton, M A Dewhurst, Mrs S Dewurst, Ms L E Fagan, Mrs D Fairhurst, T W Halliwell, B Merry, C Ready, F B Walker, R Winkworth and N R Whittingham.
18 Minutes: The minutes of the proceedings of the two meetings of the Council held on 29 April 2009 and of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 20 May 2009 were approved as correct records, subject to the interest recorded at minute 97 (motion 4) of the Council meeting held on 29 April 2009 to read as follows:-
(Councillor K Cunliffe declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item as he is an appointed Governor of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust, appointed by the Council).
(The Mayor declared a personal and non prejudicial interest relating to minute 12 of the meeting held on 20 May 2009 (appointment to outside bodies) as one of the nominees was his business partner).
19 Mayor’s Communications: (a) Award of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) to Joyce Redfearn, Chief Executive: The Mayor congratulated the Chief Executive, Joyce Redfearn, on being awarded the CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for her services to local government.
(b) Royal Visit on 21 May 2009: The Mayor congratulated the Officers who had arranged the Royal Visit to Leigh Sports Village on 21 May 2009. The Executive Leader had received a letter from the Queen’s assistant private secretary, Doug King expressing appreciation on behalf of the Queen for the visit. A link to the press article has been emailed to all Members of the Council for information.
(c) Queen’s Birthday Honours 2009: The Mayor also congratulated, on behalf of the Council, the following:-
- Mr Trevor Barton on being awarded an MBE for his support to charity and voluntary work.
- Commander Alan Dorricott from Wigan on being awarded the OBE for his support to providing vital engineering support to war ships.
- Mr Maurice Hilton from Wigan on being awarded an MBE for his support to local youth clubs.
- Mr Peter Allen from Wigan on being awarded an MBE for his support for gay and lesbian workers in the prison service.
(d) Society for General Microbiology’s Communicating Microbiology Award: The Mayor reported that Joanna Heaton from Wigan had become the first winner of this prestigious award, which recognised her outstanding work with primary and secondary school children across the region.
(e) Mayor’s charity update: The Mayor advised that the total raised to date during 2008/09 is £38,000 and for 2009/10 it was £298.67.
He congratulated Christine Charnock-Jones and Andrew Sharrock on completing the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride on 12 July 2009, with proceeds being distributed between Wigan and Leigh Hospice and the Mayor’s Charity.
(f) Greater Manchester Hockey Competition: The Mayor congratulated St Aidan's Primary School Hockey team who had represented Wigan in the Greater Manchester mini games. The team played 6 other teams and did not concede a goal.
The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the team of five boys and five girls.
(g) Daniel Needham: The Mayor congratulated Daniel Needham from Wigan, who had successfully broken the under 17’s 100 metre hurdles championship record at the County Championships in Stretford. Daniel had broken the record by half a second, running a time of 13.66 seconds.
20 Announcements by the Executive Leader: Councillor P R C Smith (Executive Leader) made statements about the following:-
- Wigan Council’s success in being brought forward in the Building Schools for the Future programme; and
- the office of the Mayor.
21 Outstanding business from last Council meeting: There were no issues.
22 Policy and budget framework issues: There were no issues.
23 Constitutional issues: (a) Changes in membership/appointment of Members to Committees/Panels: The Council considered the revised nominations that had been received from Council groups for membership of certain Committees
Resolved: The Council confirms the following changes to the Committee and Panel Memberships:-
- Pay and Reward Panel – Councillor K Cunliffe to replace Councillor P Prescott.
- Adult Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee – Councillor K W McManus to replace Councillor R J Derricutt.
- Children, Young People and Family Committee – Councillor R J Derricutt to replace Councillor K W McManus.
- Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee – Councillor R M Bleakley to replace Councillor Mrs J Beswick.
- Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee – Councillor B J Fagan to replace Councillor J Miller.
- Audit Governance and Improvement Review Committee – Councillor J Miller to replace Councillor B J Fagan.
(b) Appointment of local authority representative governors: The Council considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Nick Hudson, which gave details of schools within the Borough where appointments of local authority representative Governors were required. The report also set out details of nominations which had been received in respect of some of the vacancies.
Resolved: The Council:-
- appoints the Governors nominated, as set out in the report, in accordance with the Local Authority Governor guidance; and
- authorises the Executive 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.
(c) 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.
(d) Review of seat allocations on Committees/Panels: The Council considered a report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor, Kevin Lawson, which informed Members of changes in membership of political groups and a consequent need to review seat allocation on Committees and Panels.
Resolved: The Council agrees that allocation of seats on Committees and Panels as detailed in the report with no consequent change in membership.
24 Montrose School: The Council considered a report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor, Kevin Lawson and previous report referred to by Cabinet (minute 301 –May 2009 refers), on the proposal to proceed to statutory consultation on the closure of Montrose School with effect from 31 August 2010.
Councillor G W Fairhurst moved the following amendment, which was seconded by Councillor G A Fairhurst:-
‘That the issue be referred back to Cabinet with a strong recommendation from this Council to stop any consultation with immediate effect.’
Councillor G W Fairhurst supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the amendment or abstaining from voting.
For the amendment (9): Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, N A Bradbury, R Brierley, J Ellis, B J Fagan, G A Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst, P A Tushingham and W J Wilkes.
Against the amendment (38): Councillors M Aldred, Mrs K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, Mrs J Atherton, J B Baldwin, B Bowen, R Clayton, Dr C M Cottam, Mrs P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, J Eccles-Churton, S Ell, Mrs S J Greensmith, J N Grundy, J Hilton, Mrs P L Holland, Mrs J Hurst, M Klieve, Mrs Y Klieve, P A Liptrot, Mrs S Loudon, D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, C Rigby, W Rotherham, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, C Sweeney, J Talbot, P Thompson, Mrs A Turnock, M J Whiteside and M W Winstanley.
Abstentions (12): Councillors Mrs J Beswick, R M Bleakley, H L Cadman, W Carney, R J Derricutt, J Haley, J D Hodgkinson, E N Houlton, K W McManus, J Miller, R T Splaine and G Wilkes.
On the amendment being put tot the vote, the Mayor declared it lost.
The Mayor then put the original motion to the vote.
Councillor G W Fairhurst supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the amendment or abstaining from voting.
For the motion (38): Councillors M Aldred, Mrs K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, Mrs J Atherton, J B Baldwin, B Bowen, R Clayton, Dr C M Cottam, Mrs P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, J Eccles-Churton, S Ell, Mrs S J Greensmith, J N Grundy, J Hilton, Mrs P L Holland, Mrs J Hurst, M Klieve, Mrs Y Klieve, P A Liptrot, Mrs S Loudon, D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, C Rigby, W Rotherham, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, C Sweeney, J Talbot, P Thompson, Mrs A Turnock, M J Whiteside and M W Winstanley.
Against the motion (9): Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, N A Bradbury, R Brierley, J Ellis, B J Fagan, G A Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst, P A Tushingham and W J Wilkes.
Abstentions (12): Councillors Mrs J Beswick, R M Bleakley, H L Cadman, W Carney, R J Derricutt, J Haley, J D Hodgkinson, E N Houlton, K W McManus, J Miller, R T Splaine and G Wilkes.
Resolved: The Council note the decision of Cabinet to proceed to statutory consultation on the proposal to close Montrose School with effect from 31 August 2010.
(Councillor Mrs J Prescott declared a prejudicial interest in this item as she is a School Governor at Montrose school and left the meeting during discussion thereon. Councillor P Prescott declared a prejudicial interest in this item as his wife is a School Governor at Montrose school and left the meeting during discussion thereon).
25 Questions and comments under rule 8(1)(a) in relation to the deliberation of the Cabinet, Committees and Panels and Joint Authorities:
Councillor M W Winstanley made a comment on minute 286 of the meeting of Cabinet (Recycling- final report of Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee no.2) of 30 April 2009.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) advised that the Council was intent on progressing with the roll out of the recycling service across the borough. The Executive Leader advised the Council that it was important to ensure that the existing scheme was evaluated and bedded in before further expansion. This would ensure that resident feedback from the current phase could be considered and learning applied in later phases.
Councillor M W Winstanley made a comment on minute 290 of the meeting of Cabinet (Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 – new executive arrangements) of 30 April 2009.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) advised that the Council was required to take reasonable steps to consult upon its proposed new arrangements, which would include the former committee style arrangements. The Executive Leader felt that the current arrangements were suitable and worthwhile continuing with.
Councillor M W Winstanley asked a question and made a comment on minute 8 of the meeting of the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee (Active Travel – a strategy for encouraging cycling) of 3 June 2009.
The Chairman of the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee (Councillor J D O’Brien) explained that the strategy was aimed at improving the health of people in the borough.
Councillor M W Winstanley asked a question on minute 155/08 of the meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Executive Board (Climate Change Agency proposal and energy plan proposal) of 29 May 2009.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) advised that the purpose of the agency would be a vehicle by which productivity, clarity and efficiencies can be brought to bear across the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) by seeking to create better working relationships, and cluster resources within the city region, which can then be aligned with identified strategic priorities. Furthermore, the proposal had the support of all Greater Manchester Authorities.
26 Questions (if any) under Rules 8(1)(a): Councillor P Thompson asked the following questions of which he had given notice under Rule (8)(1)(a):
(1) Could the Leader clarify the policy of Wigan Council with regards to the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 with specific reference to local services?
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) advised that the AGMA authorities had been given City Region pilot status. AGMA was in negotiation with government on a range of issues that would give councils and their partner organisations more ability to promote sustainable communities. The Executive Leader advised that any proposals that might fall under the Sustainable Communities Act would be dealt with as part of the AGMA City Region pilot submission.
(2) Could the Leader or Cabinet Champion explain what provisions, if any, had been put into place to aid local schools in achieving their targets for swimming under the National Curriculum during the temporary closure of local pools?
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) advised that Wigan was undergoing a radical transformation of its swimming pool provision following a major review in 2005. Every effort had been made to accommodate the schools’ swimming programme as part of the National Curriculum. On the closure of Wigan International Pool, 30 (out of 31) schools were relocated within existing pool space. The Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, in partnership with Children and Young People’s Services and the Primary Care Trust had introduced a number of measures to improve the quality of provision for swimming.
At this point the Mayor adjourned the meeting for 10 minutes.
27 Notices of motion: The Chief Executive and Service Director – Borough Solicitor submitted a joint report on the competence and lawfulness of the motions which had been received.
(1) Councillor R M Bleakley submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor B J Fagan:-
That this Council: -
(a) is deeply concerned by the recent Members of Parliament expenses scandal and believes that the revelations have quite rightly provoked a public outcry, which has led to confidence in all politicians dropping to an all time low;
(b) calls on Members of Parliament from all political parties to recognise that what has happened is wrong and that this country needs a clean, open and transparent system going into the future;
(c) furthermore believes that there needs to be a root and branch reform of the entire political system, including electoral reform, the creation of a written constitution and the decentralisation of power back to local communities;
(d) believes that it is more important than ever for this Council to demonstrate that we are as open and transparent as possible when it comes to the use of public money;
(e) therefore resolves that the Council move to a system in which Members’ allowances and expenses are published on a monthly basis instead of an annual basis;
(f) furthermore resolves that the Council will also publish declarations of interest and any other relevant information alongside these details;
(g) believes that this will allow for greater scrutiny and an even more transparent system and directs that the changes are made as soon as is practicably possible: and
(h) directs that a copy of this motion is sent to all local Members of Parliament.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) moved the following amendments which were seconded by Councillor D T Molyneux:-
- to delete part (b) of the motion and substitute it with ‘welcomes the cross party support for the Parliamentary Standards Bill currently going through Parliament.’
- to delete part (c) of the motion; and
- to delete part (e) of the motion
Councillor R M Bleakley accepted the amendment to part (b) of the original motion only.
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council:-
(a) is deeply concerned by the recent Members of Parliament expenses scandal and believes that the revelations have quite rightly provoked a public outcry which has led to confidence in all politicians dropping to an all time low;
(b) welcomes the cross party support for the Parliamentary Standards Bill currently going through Parliament;
(c) believes that it is more important than ever for this Council to demonstrate that we are as open and transparent as possible when it comes to the use of public money;
(d) furthermore resolves that the Council will also publish declarations of interest and any other relevant information alongside these details;
(e) believes that this will allow for greater scrutiny and an even more transparent system and directs that the changes are made as soon as is practicably possible: and
(f) directs that a copy of this motion is sent to all local Members of Parliament.
(Councillor N D Ash declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item due to his employment by Ian McCartney MP).
At this point the Mayor adjourned the meeting for 5 minutes.
(2) Councillor G Wilkes submitted the following motion which was seconded by Councillor R T Splaine:
This Council views with grave concern the implications of the amount of people in the Borough that voted BNP in the European Parliamentary elections that took place on Thursday, 4 June 2009.
We, as a Council, must pledge to the people of this Borough, that we will work harder to try to promote the values of equality and community cohesion and oppose racist policies in Wigan and Leigh.
If this is to work successfully all party leaders that support these values must pledge to put their differences to one side and fight those who may act like a wolf in sheep's clothing in working against these values.
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) moved the following amendment, which was seconded by Councillor D T Molyneux:-
This Council views with grave concern the implications of the amount of people in the Borough that voted BNP in the European Parliamentary elections that took place on Thursday, 4 June 2009.
We, as a Council and individual Councillors, must pledge to the people of this Borough that we will work harder to understand their concerns and support policies that promote jobs, better housing and fairness for all.
If this is to work successfully all party leaders that support these values must pledge to put their differences to one side and fight those who may act like a wolf in sheep's clothing in working against these values.
Councillor G Wilkes accepted the amendment to the original motion, however he would have wished to retain the words ‘oppose racist policies.’
Councillor D T Molyneux supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the amended motion or abstaining from voting.
For the amendment (56): Councillors M Aldred, Mrs K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, Mrs J Atherton, J B Baldwin, Mrs J Beswick, R M Bleakley, B Bowen, N A Bradbury, H L Cadman, W Carney, R Clayton, Dr C M Cottam, Mrs P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, J Eccles-Churton, S Ell, J Ellis, B J Fagan, G A Fairhurst, Mrs S J Greensmith, J N Grundy, J Haley, J Hilton, J D Hodgkinson, Ms P L Holland, E N Houlton, Mrs J Hurst, M Klieve, Mrs Y Klieve, P A Liptrot, Mrs S Loudon, J Miller , D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott, C Rigby, W Rotherham, E Russon, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, R T Splaine, C Sweeney, J Talbot, P Thompson, Mrs A Turnock, P A Tushingham, Mrs M J Whiteside, G Wilkes, W J Wilkes and M W Winstanley
Against the amendment (0):
Abstentions (0):
(Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, R Brierley, R J Derricutt, G W Fairhurst and K W McManus were not present during the named vote).
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council views with grave concern the implications of the amount of people in the Borough that voted BNP in the European Parliamentary elections that took place on Thursday, 4 June 2009.
We, as a Council and individual Councillors, must pledge to the people of this Borough that we will work harder to understand their concerns and support policies that promote jobs, better housing and fairness for all
If this is to work successfully all party leaders that support these values must pledge to put their differences to one side and fight those who may act like a wolf in sheep's clothing in working against these values.
(3) Councillor C Ready was not present at the meeting and therefore the following motion that he had submitted was not considered.
This Council congratulates Welcome Credit Union on successfully gaining funding from Coalfields Regeneration Trust to help and advise residents of the Borough on debt advice which is particularly important in the economic downturn
In accordance with Rule of Procedure 10c, the Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) moved the following procedural motion which was seconded by Councillor D T Molyneux:
The Council agrees to consider the remaining motions in the following order:- 5, 6 and 4.
On the procedural motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried, and it was:-
Resolved: The Council agrees to consider the remaining motions in the following order:- 5, 6 and 4.
(Councillor G W Fairhurst requested that his vote against this decision be recorded).
(5) Councillor D T Molyneux submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor P R C Smith:
This Council wishes to place on record our congratulations to H J HEINZ who have recently celebrated their 50 year anniversary of the opening of their Kitt Green factory and which was honoured by a visit from Her Majesty the Queen. In view of this celebration, this council requests that the Chief Executive and the Mayor write to the board of directors at HJ HEINZ requesting that they put the words MADE IN WIGAN on all items made at their Kitt Green factory in recognition of the support given by the people and work force past and present from our borough.
On the motion being put to the vote the Mayor declared it carried, and it was:-
Resolved: This Council wishes to place on record our congratulations to HJ HEINZ who have recently celebrated their 50 year anniversary of the opening of their Kitt Green factory and which was honoured by a visit from Her Majesty the Queen. In view of this celebration this council request that the Chief Executive and the Mayor write to the board of directors at HJ HEINZ requesting that they put the words MADE IN WIGAN on all items made at their Kitt Green factory in recognition of the support given by the people and work force past and present from our borough.
(Councillor S Dawber declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item due to his employment with HJ HEINZ).
At this point, Councillor W J Wilkes withdrew motion (4) on the Council summons.
(6) Councillor J N Grundy submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor E N Houlton:
This Council believes that the current proposals for Lowton and Golborne under the Building Schools for the Future scheme are flawed, and undertakes to consider reasonable amendments to the scheme to improve it.
Councillor Mrs S Loudon moved the following amendment, which was seconded by Councillor P Prescott.
This Council awaits the result of the informal consultation on the proposals for Lowton and Golborne as part of our plans for Building Schools for the Future. This Council recommends that the Cabinet considers reasonable amendments to the scheme that will improve the overall concept of ensuring that the children of this Borough get the best opportunities that we can offer them.
Councillor J N Grundy accepted the amendment to the original motion.
(Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, R Bleakley, N A Bradbury, W Carney, J Ellis, J D Hodgkinson, B J Fagan, G A Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst, R T Splaine, P A Tushingham, G Wilkes and W J Wilkes requested that their votes against the amendment be recorded).
(Councillor J Haley requested that his abstention from the amendment be recorded).
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council awaits the result of the informal consultation on the proposals for Lowton and Golborne as part of our plans for Building Schools for the Future. This Council recommends that the Cabinet considers reasonable amendments to the scheme that will improve the overall concept of ensuring that the children of this Borough get the best opportunities that we can offer them.
(Councillors Mrs A M L Bland, R Bleakley, N A Bradbury, J Ellis, J D Hodgkinson, G A Fairhurst, G W Fairhurst, R T Splaine, P A Tushingham, G Wilkes and W J Wilkes requested that their votes against the motion be recorded).
(Councillor J Haley requested that his abstention from the motion be recorded).
(Councillor J D Hodgkinson declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item as he is a School Governor at St Peter’s School, Bryn).
(Councillor M Klieve declared a prejudicial interest in this item as he is a School Governor at Golborne High School and left the meeting during discussion thereon. Councillor Mrs S J Greensmith declared a prejudicial interest in this item as she is a School Governor at Lowton High School and left the meeting during discussion thereon. Councillor J Miller declared a prejudicial interest in this item as his daughter will be attending an affected school and he is a School Governor at Lowton Junior and Infants Primary School and left the meeting during discussion).
