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 Mrs B Bourne
- Councillor B Bowen
- Councillor N A Bradbury
- Councillor G M Bretherton
- 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 M A Dewhurst
- Councillor Mrs S Dewurst
- Councillor J Eccles-Churton
- Councillor S F Ell
- Councillor J Ellis
- Councillor B J Fagan
- Councillor Mrs D Fairhurst
- Councillor G A 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 Mrs J Hurst
- Councillor M Klieve
- Councillor Mrs Y Klieve
- Councillor P A Liptrot
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon
- Councillor B Merry
- 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 Mrs E Smethurst
- Councillor P R C Smith
- Councillor R T Splaine
- Councillor J Talbot
- Councillor P Thompson
- Councillor Mrs A Turnock
- Councillor Mrs M J Whiteside
- Councillor N R Whittingham
- Councillor R Winkworth
- Councillor G Wilkes
- Councillor M W Winstanley
28 Apologies for Absence: Councillors S C Barnes, J S Birch, Mrs A M L Bland, R M Bleakley, Ms L E Fagan, G W Fairhurst, K McManus, J Miller, E Russon, C Sweeney, P A Tushingham, F B Walker and W J Wilkes.
29 Minutes: The minutes of the proceedings of the two meetings of the Council held on 15 July 2009 were approved as correct records.
30 Mayor’s Communications:
(a) Resignation of Martin Kimber – Executive Director of Environmental Services: The Mayor informed Members of the resignation of Mr Martin Kimber, Executive Director of Environmental Services.
Members of the Council paid tribute to the service of Martin Kimber since his appointment to Wigan Council in 2002 as the borough’s Director of Planning and Regeneration and progressing to Executive Director of Environmental Services.
Resolved: The Council extends to Martin Kimber best thanks for his significant contribution to the Council and best wishes in his role as Chief Executive of Rotherham Council.
(b) Resignation of Katherine Fairclough – Service Director Business Transformation: The Mayor informed Members of the resignation of Katherine Fairclough, Service Director Business Transformation.
The Leader of the Council paid tribute to the service of Katherine Fairclough since her appointment to Wigan Council in 1992 as Welfare Rights Officer and progressing to Service Director Business Transformation.
Resolved: The Council extends to Katherine Fairclough best thanks for her significant contribution to the Council and best wishes in her role as Assistant Chief Executive of Warrington Council.
(c) Bronze Medal for Jenny Meadows: The Mayor informed the Council, that Wigan’s Jenny Meadows had won a bronze medal at the World Championships and that she could be awarded silver depending on the result of an investigation into champion Caster Semenya.
Councillor G A Fairhurst commented on this item.
Resolved: The Council congratulates Jenny on her achievement and wishes her all the best for the future.
(d) Record swim for Heather Frederiksen: The Mayor reported that former Wigan college student, Paralympics champion, Heather Frederiksen, had secured another world record by swimming her way to victory in the 100m freestyle at the Amateur Swimming Association National 50m championships in Sheffield, setting a new record of 1:06:55. She will be working towards qualifying for the world long course championships in Eindhoven in The Netherlands and then for her ultimate challenge in London in the 2012 Olympics.
Resolved: The Council congratulates Heather on her achievements and wishes her all the best for the future.
(e) Mayor’s charity update: The Mayor advised that the total raised to date during 2008/09 was £38,288.20 and for 2009/10 it was £4,184.00.
31 Outstanding business from last Council meeting: There were no issues.
32 Policy and budget framework issues: There were no issues.
33 Constitutional issues:
(a) Changes in membership/appointment of Members to Committees/Panels: Councillor G W Fairhurst resigned as a member of Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee, and the vacancy will be considered at a future Council meeting.
Resolved: The Council
- accepts the resignation of Councillor G W Fairhurst as a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee; and
- agrees to consider the vacancy at a future Council meeting.
(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.
(Councillor Mrs J M Peet declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item as she is a governor of Westfield Community Primary School appointed by the Council)
(c) Failure of a Local Authority Governor to complete a Criminal Records Bureau: 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.
(d) Amendment to representative on Outside Bodies – Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation: The Council was asked to note an amendment to the representation on Outside Bodies. Councillor F B Walker, Cabinet Champion for Efficiency was substituted as the lead member for Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation replacing Councillor P Prescott as reported at the Annual Council meeting (minute 12 refers). The Council was reminded that Councillor T W Halliwell was the substitute representative.
Resolved: The Council notes the appointment.
34 Questions and comments under rule 8(1)(b) in relation to the deliberation of the Cabinet, Committees and Panels and Joint Authorities:
Councillor M W Winstanley made the following comment on minute 29 of the meeting of Cabinet (Announcements by the Executive Leader) of 30 July 2009:
I would like to comment on the announcement by the Leader on the Future Jobs Fund and how this is more failed policies from this failed Labour Government.
Councillor G Wilkes asked the following question on minute 32 of the meeting of Cabinet (Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Consultation on vision and stage 1 consultation on phase one proposals) of 30 July 2009:
Does the Leader of the Council agree with comments made by the former Wigan education officer and Ofsted inspector Stan Cooper in the Wigan Evening Post regarding BSF being close to factory farming of our Children?
Councillor R T Splaine asked the following question on minute 32 of the meeting of Cabinet (Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Consultation on and stage 1 consultation on phase one proposals) of 30 July 2009:
Could you tell me what will happen to the Green Grass Project run by Hesketh Fletcher School if the school is closed, also the projects that the school is involved with sure start.
Councillor N A Bradbury asked the following question on minute 32 of the meeting of Cabinet (Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Consultation on vision and stage 1 consultation on phase one proposals) of 30 July 2009:
Why is the Cabinet still supporting a policy in the East of the Borough giving us three schools which will all have too many students? This policy which the previous well respected Children and Young Peoples Champion Brian Wilson has stated will weaken the quality of education which can be provided in the schools, and that we do need a High School in Atherton.
I understand that at Fred Longworth High School the number of students can’t be reduced, however this still leaves enough pupils for three more High Schools with student populations of around 900 each which would be ideal. Atherton needs a High School to serve one of the most deprived areas in the Borough which will be even more deprived when it’s only High School closes. We don’t want a 14 to 19 years old Centre we need a new High School for Atherton.
Councillor G Wilkes made the following comment on minute 33 of the meeting of Cabinet (Free Swimming for All Proposals – Capital Funding) of 30 July 2009:
I welcome the planned £600,304 to improvement to the Ashton leisure Centre,Which is in Bryn Ward. Can I congratulate WLCT for their hard work in gaining the grant from the Government. We hope all of the Borough will benefit in the long term from this investment of cash.
Councillor J D Hodgkinson asked the following question and made a comment on minute 49 of the meeting of Cabinet 9 Saddle Relief Road Scheme) of 30 July 2009:
What is the projected cost of this scheme and how will it be funded?
Is this road really necessary, shouldn't we be looking at other alternatives schemes to encourage people to come to shop, work and seek leisure entertainment in Wigan Town centre.
A few years ago Park and Ride schemes were rejected for Wigan Borough which I think was a mistake.
Robin Park, Marus Bridge, Bryn Station are all potential sites for Park and Ride. I am sure there are also sites in other areas that would be very suitable for Park and Ride. Many other towns have now adopted Park and Ride schemes, Wigan is sadly lacking in this initiative.
We need to encourage people to use the train or bus to come and work or shop in the town centre.
Councillor G Wilkes asked the following question on minute 56 of the meeting of Cabinet (Wigan for Work European Programme Closure – Business Support Solutions) of 13 August 2009:
The Cabinet Received a verbal report from Martin Kimber which referred to a potential claw back of a grant on ERDF funding from Business Support Solutions, which could also affect the Council as the accountable body for that grant.
How much was involved with the grant? And how much money does the Council need to pay on the outstanding invoices?
Councillor M W Winstanley asked the following question on minute 70 of the meeting of Cabinet (GCSE results 2009) of August 2009:
I would like to congratulate all pupils in the Borough who achieved GCSE passes. Could the cabinet member confirm the exact percentage of pupils achieving 5 A*-C Including English and Maths.
Could the Cabinet Member also confirm how many pupils have left Wigan Schools unable to read or write after 11 years compulsory education?
Councillor M W Winstanley asked the following question on minute 9/09 of the meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Executive Board (GM Brussels Office – Annual Report and Plan) on 29 June 2009:
Could the Leader confirm what achievements have been made by the AGMA Brussels office? How this made a difference to the Council Tax Payers of Wigan? At what cost is this provided and how can value for money be demonstrated?
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) responded to the abovementioned questions and comments.
Councillor M W Winstanley asked the following question on minute 11 of the meeting of the Greater Manchester Police Authority (New Greater Manchester Force Headquarters) on 5 June 2009:
How much will the new Greater Manchester Force HQ cost in total? How can this cost be justified in these uncertain economic times when residents of this Borough want resources spent on front line Police Officers?
The Council’s representative on the Greater Manchester Police Authority (Councillor C Rigby) responded to the abovementioned question.
35 Questions (if any) under Rules 8(1)(a):
Councillor M W Winstanley a the following questions of which he had given notice under Rule (8) (1)(a)
- Will the Leader agree with me in welcoming the recommendation of Network Rail that the West Coast Main Line should form the High Speed Rail Link to London but regrets the fact that no station will be built in Wigan? Will he pledge to lobby and work with all parties in putting the case for a station in Wigan before the final decision is made for the future economic well being of the Borough?
- Can the Leader confirm if the Council has responded to the consultation on the Review of Transport Governance currently being undertaken by GMITA which concludes on 30th September? If it has not yet done so when will it and how will the council respond?
- I note that in the local press the Leader has confirmed that the Joint Service Centre has now risen by some £30 million. We are told that the Council Tax payer of Wigan will not incur any extra costs? I would like an assurance and commitment that this scheme will not compromise any services by the Council and that no front-line services will be cut under any circumstances as a result of the commitment to this scheme?
The Executive Leader (Councillor P R C Smith) responded to the abovementioned questions and comments.
(Councillor M W Winstanley declared a personal and non-prejudical interest in this item as he is a member of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority and Wigan and Leigh Housing)
36 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 G W Fairhurst submitted notice of his intention to move a motion which was withdrawn prior to the meeting in accordance with rule of procedure 11.8.
(2) Councillor R M Bleakley submitted notice of his intention to move a motion which was withdrawn prior to the meeting in accordance with rule of procedure 11.8.
(3) Councillor B J Fagan submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
This Council congratulates the parents, children, staff, and supporters of the save our schools campaign, and all who have supported Gilded Hollins Primary School in their efforts to keep this excellent and high achieving school open for future generations and to continue serving the local community.
This Council believes that local parents and the local community should have the right to decide how they want their local schools and facilities to be provided and their views should not be ignored.
They should not have politically dogmatic decisions imposed on them from above.
Councillor Mrs S Loudon moved the following amendment, which was seconded:-
This Council supports the Cabinet’s decision to keep Gilded Hollins Community School open. This Council recognises that it is an excellent and high achieving school and we hope it will continue to serve the local community for many years.
This Council believes that local parents and the local community should have the right to comment on how they want their local schools, and facilities, to be provided and their views should not be ignored.
This Council also confirms the recommendation that the Cabinet should consider any reasonable amendments to proposed schemes that will improve the overall concept of ensuring that the children of this Borough get the best opportunities that we can offer.
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: This Council supports the Cabinet’s decision to keep Gilded Hollins Community School open. This Council recognises that it is an excellent and high achieving school and we hope it will continue to serve the local community for many years.
This Council believes that local parents and the local community should have the right to comment on how they want their local schools, and facilities, to be provided and their views should not be ignored.
This Council confirms the recommendation that the Cabinet should consider any reasonable amendments to proposed schemes that will improve the overall concept of ensuring that the children of this Borough get the best opportunities that we can offer.
(4) Councillor B J Fagan submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
This Council believes the decision not to publish the register of councillors’ interests on the council website is wrong.
This information should be available online so residents can conveniently access it.
Not all residents can afford the time and expense of travelling to the Town Hall to inspect the register. Let alone make an appointment in advance.
They will come to the conclusion that this council does not want them to be able to easily access this information.
Residents should be able to see online the long list of freebies claimed by both New Labour and Conservative councillors.
They may wonder if they do anything other than enjoy free hospitality at sporting events and eat free corporate dinners whilst being entertained.
Residents need this information to decide if their local councillor is working for them and providing value for their money. And they may very well conclude that ‘there is no such thing as a free lunch’.
We should all learn the lesson from the MPs expenses scandal and be open with the public.
Councillor P R C Smith moved the following procedural motion which was seconded:-
On the procedural motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was
Resolved: The Council moves to vote on this motion.
Councillor B J Fagan supported by 10 Members, asked for a recorded vote to be taken, indicating the names for and against the procedural motion.
On the procedural motion, the Mayor declared it carried:-
For the motion (41): Councillors M Aldred, Mrs K Aldred, K Anderson, N D Ash, J B Baldwin, Mrs B Bourne, B Bowen, G M Bretherton, Dr C M Cottam, Mrs P Cullen, K Cunliffe, S Dawber, M A Dewhurst, Mrs S Dewurst, J Eccles-Churton, Mrs S J Greensmith, T W Halliwell, J Hilton, Ms P L Holland, Mrs J Hurst, M Klieve, Mrs Y Klieve, P A Liptrot, Mrs S Loudon, D T Molyneux, J Moodie, J D O’Brien, Mrs J M Peet, Mrs J Prescott, P Prescott, C Ready, C Rigby, W Rotherham, Mrs E Smethurst, P R C Smith, J Talbot , P Thompson, Mrs A Turnock, Mrs M J Whiteside, N R Whittingham and R Winkworth.
Against the motion (17): Councillors Miss J A Atherton, Mrs J Beswick, N A Bradbury, R Brierley, W Carney, R Clayton, S F Ell, J Ellis, B J Fagan, Mrs D Fairhurst, J N Grundy, J D Hodgkinson, E N Houlton, B Merry, R T Splaine, G Wilkes and M W Winstanley.
Abstentions (3): H L Cadman, Mrs D Fairhurst and J Haley.
On the motion being put to the vote the Mayor declared it lost.
(5) Councillor R M Bleakley submitted notice of his intention to move a motion which was withdrawn prior to the meeting in accordance with rule of procedure 11.8.
(6) Councillor G W Fairhurst submitted notice of his intention to move a motion which was withdrawn prior to the meeting in accordance with rule of procedure 11.8.
(7) Councillor G W Fairhurst submitted notice of his intention to move a motion which was withdrawn prior to the meeting in accordance with rule of procedure 11.8.
(8) Councillor J N Grundy submitted the following motion, which was seconded:-
This Council recognises the hard work done by PC Chris Clarke and the Lowton East Police Team. Chris, PCSO Jane Tymon and PCSO David Chiocci have recently worked in conjunction with local charity Compassion in Action to tidy up a dilapidated back alley in Oaklands Road, and have also run a 'Youth vs Police' football match in the ward, which was well attended and enjoyed by many people.
Recently ASBO offences have dropped sharply in Lowton East and this Council recognises and appreciates the time and effort put in by these tireless public servants.
Councillor C Rigby moved the following amendment, which was seconded:-
This Council recognises the hard work and commitments shown by our police constables and police community support officers that make up our neighbourhood policing teams. By working with communities and especially engaging with young people, the teams have helped to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour across the Borough.
Furthermore, could the Mayor pass on our appreciation to the Chief Superintendant so that the Neighbourhood teams are made aware they have the full support of Council.
On the amended motion being put to the vote, the Mayor declared it carried and it was:-
Resolved: The Council:-
- recognises the hard work and commitments shown by our police constables and police community support officers that make up our neighbourhood policing teams; and
- places on record its appreciation of the work undertaken by the PCSO’s and a letter from the Mayor be forwarded to the Chief Superintendant so that the Neighbourhood teams are made aware they have the full support of Council.
