Present at the meeting
- Councillor P R C Smith (Executive Leader)
- Councillor K Anderson (Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood)
- Councillor G M Bretherton (Portfolio Holder for Equality and Young People)
- Councillor K Cunliffe (Portfolio Holder for Healthier Communities and Older People)
- Councillor Mrs S Loudon (Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People)
- Councillor D T Molyneux (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration)
- Councillor P Prescott (Portfolio Holder for Lifestyle)
- Councillor C Ready (Portfolio Holder for Improvement)
- Councillor F B Walker (Portfolio Holder for Efficiency)
Officers in attendance
- Gillian Bishop – Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services
- Christine Charnock-Jones – Principal Committee Services Officer
- Ashley Crumbley – Chief Executive of Wigan and Leigh Housing
- Maureen Edwards – Youth Worker
- Nick Hudson – Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services
- Sue Johnson – Deputy Chief Executive
- Kevin Lawson – Service Director, Borough Solicitor
- David Mather – Principal Public Relations Advisor
- Stuart Murray - Executive Director (Environmental Management and Sustainability), Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust
- Steve Normington - Service Director Development
- Roy Pass - Manager - Borough Wide - Youth Participation
- David Smith – Executive Director of Business Support Services
- Andrew Taylor – Head of Finance Division
- Bernard Walker - Executive Director; Health and Wellbeing
- Mike Worden – Head of Planning and Transport Strategy
Please note that where a resolution is in bold, then this determines that the report involved a key decision.
135 Apologies for absence: Councillor J B Baldwin (Portfolio Holder for Cultural).
136 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19 November 2009 were approved as a correct record.
137 Exclusion of the public - section 100a Local Government Act 1972: Resolved: The public is excluded from the meeting when the Cabinet discusses the following item for the reason set out below:-
| Agenda Item no. |
Title of Report |
Minute No. |
Description of exempt information by reference to the paragraph number in schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 |
| E1 |
Building Schools for the future – Golborne High School site, retention of facilities for Community use and provision of a youth park. |
155 |
2 Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual. |
138 Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA)(minute134 refers): The Deputy Chief Executive, Sue Johnson referred to the area assessment and organisational assessment results that had now been formally announced under CAA. The official report had been published on 9 December 2009. Electronic copies of the Area Assessment summary and full report and the Organisational Assessment summary and full report had been circulated to Members and hard copies were circulated at the meeting and reference was made to the One Place web site.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report and reference was made to the health profiles that had been presented to the various Township Forums.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the contents of the report for monitoring purposes; and
- awaits further reports.
139 Building Schools for the Future: Stage 1 consultation on proposal to enlarge Lowton Junior and infant School: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Nick Hudson, which informed Members of the results of stage 1 consultation on the proposal to enlarge Lowton Junior and Infants School and to determine the next step on the proposal.
The Executive Director 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 section 3 of the report.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children (Councillor Mrs S Loudon) thanked the Service Director – Wigan Schools for the Future, Janet Newton, for her work with the Wigan Schools for the Future programme and wished her success in her new role.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- authorises the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services to publish the statutory notice to enlarge Lowton Junior and Infant School with effect from 1 September 2012; and
- places on record the work undertaken by the Service Director – Wigan Schools for the Future, Janet Newton, and that she be wished every success in her new role.
140 Allocation of Resources for Personal Budgets: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director, Health and Wellbeing, Bernard Walker, on proposals for the implementation of a costed package of care approach to resource allocation and associated developments, which would enable the extensive roll out of personal budgets in line with the principles of ‘Putting People First.’
The report set out details of the alternative options that had emerged and these were contained within section 1 of the report.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees:-
- the approval of the implementation of the costed care package approach to the allocation of resources for Personal Budgets;
- the delegation of the approval of the details relating to the implementation of the proposal to the Executive Director, Health and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Executive Director for Business Support Services; and
- that work is undertaken locally to assess the suitability of Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Common Framework for Resource Allocation for potential implementation at a future date.
141 Mesnes Park Restoration Project Phase 2: Approval to Submit Stage 2 Application to Heritage Lottery Fund: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director, Health and Wellbeing, Bernard Walker seeking approval to submit a stage two application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure £1,972,000 towards the phase 2 restoration project at Mesnes Park, Wigan.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to submit the application and address the restoration project over an extended timescale aiming to secure funding from alternative funding agencies beyond the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves the submission of a joint Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and Wigan Council stage 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Phase 2 Project and include the expenditure within the Capital Programme;
- notes that approval is conditional on the required partnership funding being secured and will be reviewed prior to entering into any contractual arrangement with the Heritage Lottery Fund; and
- awaits further reports.
(Councillor P Prescott declared a prejudicial interest in this item as he is Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee and left the meeting during the discussion thereon.)
142 Procedure for Responding to Correspondence during Consultations on School Reorganisation Proposals: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which sought to determine a procedure for responding to correspondence during school reorganisation consultation periods.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to deal with the requests in a manageable way so as not to harm the reputation of the Council or affect the decision making powers.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the proposed procedure.
143 Review of Risk Management Policy: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Business Support Services, David Smith which updated Members on the Council’s Risk Management Policy. The Risk Management Policy was appended to the report and comments were invited, prior to the Policy being referred to Council for formal approval.
A formal Risk Management Policy Statement was approved by Council, (minute 104 (b) February 2004 refers) as part of the Policy Framework, and last reviewed by the Audit, Governance and Improvement Review Committee (minute 38 September 2006 refers). The report reflected the progress that had been made in embedding formal risk management processes across the full range of Council operations.
The Policy would need to be reviewed and refreshed on a periodic basis to ensure that it incorporated all of the latest developments.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The report had been considered by the Audit, Governance and Improvement Review Committee (minute 27 refers) and a copy of the extract from the minutes was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees the proposed update of the Council’s Risk Management Policy prior to it being forwarded to Council for formal approval.
144 Medium Term Financial Strategy & Financial Outlook 2010/11 to 2012/13: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which examined the financial projections for the Council over the next three years with specific focus on the budget and Council Tax prospects for 2010/11. The report also highlighted the impact of the pre budget report and the number of key pressures the Council was likely to face over this period.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to avoid a cap being imposed by delivering savings on target.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report. Reference was made to the effects should there be a change in Government from May 2010.
The report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee (minute 69 refers) and a copy of the extract from the minutes was available at the meeting.
A further report would be considered by the joint meeting of the Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee at its meeting to be held on 18 February 2010, prior to submission to Council on the 3 March 2010.
The Executive Director of Business Support Services reported that he had recently met with the Trade Unions regarding the proposals.
Resolved: The Cabinet:
- notes the forecast and the potential costs surrounding the risk areas identified;
- supports the process for considering reductions; and
- awaits the guidance on the level of savings to be exemplified.
(The Deputy Leader (Councillor D T Molyneux) declared a personal and non prejudicial interest in this item because he is a Director of Leigh Sports Village, appointed by the Council.)
145 Greater Manchester Joint Waste Plan - Preferred Option: The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services, Gillian Bishop, which advised that the Council had been consulted on the preferred options stage of the Greater Manchester Joint Waste Plan. At minute 74, the Cabinet agreed to make an objection to the proposed allocation of an extension at the existing Whitehead landfill site at Astley Green. The Joint Committee has decided to continue with the allocation into the preferred option plan. The report suggested that the Council’s objection to the proposed allocation should remain and that an additional objection be submitted in respect of a proposal to allocate a site at Templeton Road, Platt Bridge for built waste management facilities.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to avoid significant planning issues on either site.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees:-
- that the Council maintains its objection to the proposal to allocate an extension to the Whitehead Landfill Site, but requests that more robust evidence is demonstrated for the regional need for this facility; and
- that the Council objects to the allocation of site W12, Templeton Road, Platt Bridge as a site for built waste management facilities.
(Councillor P Prescott declared a prejudicial interest in this item as he is Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee and left the meeting during the discussion thereon.)
146 Wigan Local Development Framework – fifth annual monitoring report: The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services, also presented by the Service Director – Development, Steve Normington, which informed Members of the fifth annual monitoring report of the Council’s Local Development Framework. The monitoring report was a statutory document that the Council had to produce which would be submitted to the Secretary of State by 31 December 2009.
A full appendix to the report was available on the web site.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The report had been considered by the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee (minute 31 refers) and a copy of the extract from the minutes was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the Annual Monitoring report for 2009.
(Councillor P Prescott declared a prejudicial interest in this item as he is Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee and left the meeting during the discussion thereon).
147 Salford City Development Plan – Draft Core Strategy November 2009: The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services, advising that Salford City Council was at a similar stage to Wigan with the preparation of the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. Salford had published a draft core strategy instead of a preferred options strategy, which was currently out for consultation until 15 January 2010. The report recommended that Wigan Council submit representations on the draft Core Strategy in order to seek to safeguard the interests of the borough, that may otherwise be affected adversely.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to enable Wigan Council to contribute to the shaping of the Salford Core Strategy, which would have implications for Wigan Borough.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report. Reference was made in particular to the problem of transport to Salford Quays from the Atherton area
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees to the submission of representations on Salford City Council’s draft Core Strategy in support of policies T1 (Rail), T3 (Buses) and GB3 (Chat Moss) and to seek changes to policies H2 (Greenfield Housing), T2 (Metrolink), T6 (Car parking) and T8 (City Airport Manchester), for the reasons as outlined in the report.
148 Consolidation of dormant trust funds: The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Service Director - Borough Solicitor which was presented by Kevin Lawson and sought approval to the consolidation of a number of dormant charitable trust funds into a single fund and to endorse the handling of the fund by the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester (CFGM).
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. However, further development was necessary with regard to the two options which would both carry the same fee.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves the consolidation of 16 local dormant charitable trust funds with a total value of approximately £70,000 into a single amalgamated fund.
- agrees to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Service Director - Borough Solicitor to enter into discussions with the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester (GFGM) and other potential agencies to discuss the delivery options, costs and develop a partnership agreement with the most effective agency.
149 City Region Governance: The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Chief Executive and the Service Director Borough Solicitor presented by the Executive Leader and Kevin Lawson and seeking Members views on proposals by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) Executive Board in relation to the City Region Pilot and Governance. The report outlined the process to be completed in relation to the changes in governance.
The draft scheme would be submitted to Cabinet for consultation prior to governance review.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The one recommended was to approve the proposals.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes that the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (the 2009 Act) has now received Royal Assent and agrees that the Council should be party, together with other Greater Manchester authorities, to a review of governance arrangements relating to economic development and regeneration, as well as transport;
- agrees that the resolutions of the AGMA Executive Board on 27 November 2009 be endorsed as far as the Cabinet is concerned;
- authorise the Executive Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive, to agree at the December 2009 AGMA Executive Board a draft scheme as the basis for consultation on revised AGMA governance arrangements under the 2009 Act; and
- notes the provisional timetable and next steps on the governance review process including, if appropriate, the submission of the draft scheme to a future meeting of Cabinet in January, 2010 and a final scheme which takes account of the outcome of the consultation on the draft scheme in March, 2010.
150 Adult Services Budget Monitoring 2009/10: The Cabinet considered a report which was presented by the Executive Directors of Health and Wellbeing, Bernard Walker and Business Support Services, David Smith, on the budget monitoring position for Adult Services after the first seven months of 2009-10. The Executive Directors made reference to the budgetary issues that would need to be addressed during the year.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the report.
151 Children's Social Care Revenue Budget Monitoring as at the 31 October 2009: The Cabinet considered a report, which was presented by the Executive Directors of Children and Young People’s Services and Business Support Services, on the budget monitoring position for Children’s Social Care Services as at 31 October 2009.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to alert Members to potential problems at an early stage by use of monthly monitoring.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: That Cabinet notes the report and the robust budget monitoring proposal.
152 U Spend – Young Peoples Priorities for Funding: The Executive Leader welcomed the representative of the Young People’s Cabinet (Holly McChrystal) to the meeting, together with two representatives from the Children and Young People’s Services Department (Maureen Edwards and Roy Pass).
The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which outlined the results of the Local Democracy Week event entitled ‘U Spend, at which the young people, led by the Wigan Young People’s Cabinet identified their priorities for spending from the Children and Young People’s Services budget.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to consider priority areas in line with the existing CYPS budget.
The Manager - Borough Wide - Youth Participation, Roy Pass gave a presentation at the meeting.
The representative of the Young Persons Cabinet gave her views on the event.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report. It was suggested that there should be more intervention between the Cabinet and the Young People’s Cabinet in future.
A Member referred to the young peoples awareness of the issues surrounding the proposed Wigan Boys and Girls Club as referred to at minutes 76 and 113 (b).
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- agrees that the changes in funding proposed by young people about what Children and Young People’s Services should deliver are taken into consideration when allocating budgets and resources, which is in keeping with the Government’s intention for young people to have a say about decisions which affect them;
- supports greater involvement with the Young People’s Cabinet;
- that the views of the Young People’s Cabinet, in relation to the proposed Wigan Boys and Girls Club be welcomed; and
- requests that the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People (Councillor Mrs S Loudon) and the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services report back to the Young People’s Cabinet on the progress made.
(Councillor P Prescott declared a prejudicial interest in this item as he is Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee and left the meeting during the discussion thereon.)
153 Councillor Services Group Minutes – 2 December 2009: The Minutes of the meeting of the Councillor Services Group held on 2 December 2009 were submitted for information.
Further to minute 8, Councillor P Prescott suggested that the issue with regard to the provision of microphones at the Planning Committee form part of the planning review currently being undertaken by the Service Director Development.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the minutes now submitted and agrees to the course of action as suggested by Councillor Prescott in relation to the use of microphones at the Planning Committee.
154 Feedback from Scrutiny Committees (if any): There were none.
155 Building Schools for the Future - Golborne High School site, Retention of Facilities for Community Use and Provision of a Youth Park: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which outlined the possible future use of the site currently being occupied by Golborne High School.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report. Reference was made to the Village Green application, the decision on which would not be known before the end of March 2010. This application related to the land adjoining Lowton Civic Hall.
The Executive Director (Environmental Management and Sustainability), Stuart Murray, updated Members on the position in relation to the pathfinders play park.
Resolved: The Cabinet:
- defers a decision on committing the use of the site until the outcome of the Village Green application is known;
- requests officers to continue to work on detailed costings for the options presented in the report and report back to a future meeting of Cabinet;
- requests the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services to discuss with Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) possible carry forward of play pathfinder monies whilst options are being considered;
- requests the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services to work with Wigan Leisure and Cultural Trust to develop alternative options for play facilities in the event that the site is required for Building Schools for the Future; and
- agrees that the Ward Councillors be fully informed.
The meeting concluded at 5.16 p.m.
