Present at the meeting:
- Councillor P R C Smith (Executive Leader)
- Councillor K Anderson (Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood).
- Councillor J B Baldwin (Portfolio Holder for Cultural).
- Councillor K Cunliffe (Portfolio Holder for Healthier Communities and Older 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
- Rodney Hill – Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust
- 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
- James Noakes – Sustainability Manager
- Steve Normington - Service Director Development
- Joyce Redfearn – Chief Executive
- David Smith – Executive Director of Business Support Services
- Bernard Walker - Executive Director; Health and Wellbeing
- Sue Wilkinson – Interim Service Director – Wigan Schools for the future
Officers from AGMA (present for minute 159 only)
- Kerry Bond – Oldham Council
- Sarah Davies – Oldham Council
Please note that where a resolution is in bold, then this determines that the report involved a key decision.
156 Apologies for absence: Councillors G M Bretherton (Portfolio Holder for Equality and Young People) and Mrs S Loudon (Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People).
157 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 17 December 2009 were approved as a correct record.
158 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 |
Saddle Junction Improvement Project |
169 |
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 |
| E2 |
Land at Pool Street and Poolstock, Wigan |
170 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the Council) |
159 AGMA Roadshow – Climate Change and Low Carbon Transition: The Cabinet received presentations by the Sustainability Manager (James Noakes) and Sarah Jones (AGMA) on climate change and low carbon transition.
The Sustainability Manager provided a fact sheet for Members as part of the presentation, which explained what Wigan was doing to tackle the issues relating to climate change. Reference was made to the Climate Change Strategy and the links to the Local Strategic Partnership. He agreed to share the full presentation with Members following the meeting.
The AGMA representative, Sarah Davies gave a presentation and referred to the types of feedback from the other AGMA authorities in relation to climate change and to the strengths that Wigan had already demonstrated in this area which included:-
- a grasp of understanding of the technical aspects of climate change; and
- an understanding of the economics of climate change
She gave the background to the low carbon transition project, the work of the Environmental Commission, strategic objectives and the development of a business plan. Ms Davies then asked for a contribution from Members based on the following two areas:-
- What help and resources would Members wish to see to undertake climate change more effectively?
- What ideas and practice initiatives have been introduced and what lessons have been learned in the process (what did well and what did not do so well)?
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the presentations.
The Executive Leader advised Members that United Utilities had recently announced that the Company would be closing its plants at Hope Carr, Leigh and Worthington.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- thanks the Officers for the presentations;
- agrees to receive a copy of the presentation by the Sustainability Manager; and
- awaits further reports.
(The meeting adjourned at this point and resumed at 4.00 p.m.)
160 Townships (minute 274 – April 2009 refers): The Cabinet considered a report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor, Kevin Lawson, which outlined amendments to the Township Forums terms of reference and invited a review of the township boundaries. The purpose of the report (which was also due to be considered by the board of Wigan Borough Partnership on 22 March 2010) was to give Members the opportunity to consider whether it would be appropriate to align the township boundaries with the boundaries of their constituent Wards in relation to the three instances as detailed within the report and to invite Members to adopt amended terms of reference for the Township Forums.
The Service 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.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report. Reference was made in particular to the small potential for disturbances at meetings and the need for additional training for the Chairmen.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees:-
1. to adopt the Township Forums terms of reference with effect from the beginning of the 2010/11 municipal year, subject to the following options being agreed:-
(a) to delete from the proposed terms of reference that part of paragraph 14 containing the provision referred to in section 9(g) of the report in relation to action on non attendance at meetings
(b) to amend paragraph 16 of the proposed terms of reference to reflect a hybrid of Options 5 and 6 as set out in section 11 of the report in relation to public attendance, resulting in the following provision:
The public have the right to attend Forum meetings, but may only speak with the consent of the Chair and the support of the majority of those Members present and voting and provided that they have informed the Township Manager a set number of days in advance of the matter they intend to raise so that the relevant Council officers can be asked to attend and respond to the matter intended to be raised. The matter must be relevant to the particular Township and all other appropriate remedies and recourses have been pursued.The public speaking provision will be restricted to a session at the beginning of the meeting lasting a maximum of 30 minutes.
2. to accept the following options in relation to the township boundaries by reference to the options set out in the report:-
Atherleigh Ward:
Option 1 – Maintain the current position, whereby Atherleigh Ward is split in two for Township purposes, with the elected Members of the Atherleigh Ward sitting on both the Atherton and Leigh Township Forums.
Properties within the Tyldesley Ward included within the Atherton Township:
Option 1 – Rectify the anomaly by amending the Atherton and Tyldesley Astley Township boundaries such that they follow the line of the Ward boundaries.
Pennington Flash & Country Park and Leigh Fire Station:
Option 1 – Align the Ward and Township boundaries such that the area of land identified above, including Pennington Flash and the Leigh Fire Station, will be situated within the Lowton East Ward and the Golborne Lowton Township.
161 Proposals for future educational provision for Higher Folds, Leigh: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Nick Hudson which informed Members of the options for future educational provision in Higher Folds, Leigh and requested permission to begin the statutory consultation process.
The report proposed to create one school for Higher Folds which would operate on a split site, using the existing two school buildings initially.
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 report had been considered by the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 59 refers) and a copy of the extract from the minutes was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves that stage 1 consultation take place on the proposal to bring together Higher Folds Primary School and St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School resulting in a ‘Catholic school for the community’ with effect from 1 September 2011; and
- awaits further reports.
(Councillor F B Walker declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item because he is a school Governor for St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School, Leigh appointed by the Council.)
162 Proposed admission arrangements 2011/2012: foundation and voluntary aided schools: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which informed Members of the proposed changes to admission arrangements for foundation and voluntary aided schools for 2011/2012 and the Admission Forum Advice. The report sought recommendations for the Local Authority responses to the proposals.
The report had been deferred by the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 60 refers).
The Executive Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to take into account the Admission Forum Advice and guidance in the School Admissions code of practice.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees the report and delegates power to the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, to object to and refer to the Schools Adjudicator if necessary any determined admission arrangements for 2011-2012 which do not comply with the Admissions Code or Admission Forum Advice, due to the limited timescale for objections
(Councillor D T Molyneux declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item because he is a school Governor for Ince C of E Primary School).
163 Highway Asset Management Plan: The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services, presented by the Service Director Development, Steve Normington, which proposed the adoption of the Highway Asset Management Plan that would form part of the Council’s strategy for maintenance highway assets.
The Service Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
There were no alternative options available for consideration.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
With regard to the recent inclement weather conditions, the Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services, Gillian Bishop advised Members that all necessary urgent repairs to the highway had now been completed at a reasonable cost.
A Member referred to the possibility of the Council applying for funds through the Belwin scheme following necessary repairs due to the weather and the Executive Director of Business Support Services, David Smith explained that the fund would only compensate over a certain limit and placed restrictions on what could be claimed.
The Service Director made reference to the new permitting scheme which would enhance powers and action could be taken against persons not complying with the scheme.
Resolved: The Cabinet:
- adopts the Highway Asset Management Plan, which would then form the Council’s strategy for maintaining highway assets;
- agrees to place on record its appreciation to the highway maintenance team for the repair work undertaken and that the Interim Executive Director liaise with the Media and Communications team regarding a suitable press release; and
- agrees that the Executive Director of Business Support Services investigate the threshold of the Belwin Scheme and report back to Cabinet Members accordingly.
164 Implications of change of status of Schools: The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor and the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, presented by Kevin Lawson, advising Members of the consequences for the Council of schools’ governing bodies deciding to change the status of the school to foundation status and to facilitate such changes. This included land and staff transfers and the need to designate staff to continue participation in the Greater Manchester superannuation fund.
The report would be considered by Council at its meeting to be held on 10 March 2010.
The Service Director referred to the main points contained within the report. He reported that Abraham Guest High School had requested that the Council become a member of the company and appoint a Trustee of its Board, however it was noted that there would be voting restrictions
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended to ensure that a report would not need to be presented to Cabinet and Council each time that a school changed its status, where the Council does not object to the proposals.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the implications for the Council of a school governing body changing the school status to a foundation or a trust;
- agrees to delegate power to the Executive Director of Business Support Services to approve all necessary steps particularly in relation to the transfer of property and staff to facilitate a school changing its status to a foundation or a trust where the Council does not object to the proposals; and
- agrees that the Council be a member of the Abraham Guest National Challenge Trust and that Service Director Transformation, Anne Goldsmith be appointed as a trustee of the Trust and as the Council’s representative at meetings of members of the Trust
(Councillor P Prescott declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item because his wife is a school governor at Abraham Guest High School, appointed by the Council.)
165 Building Schools for the Future: Strategy for Change: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, presented by the Interim Service Director – Wigan Schools for the Future, Sue Wilkinson, which informed Members of Wigan’s progress in preparing the Strategy for Change documentation.
In view of the deadlines for receipt of information for this report, a draft copy of the document had been circulated to Cabinet Members by email and the latest version of the Strategy for Change was circulated to Members at the meeting.
The Service Director advised Members that the document was work in progress and draft versions were continually being produced and refined.
An earlier version of the document had been considered by the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 57 refers) and a copy of the extract from the minutes was available at the meeting.
The Service Director referred to the main points contained within the report. She also confirmed that the Adjudicator for Hesketh Fletcher High School would be visiting on 8 February 2010.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to reflect the extensive consultation undertaken with Headteachers, Governors and other stakeholders.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees to delegate power to the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services to receive further comments from the Members of the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee as agreed at minute 51, following which, the Strategy for Change be submitted to the Partnerships for School by 29 January 2010.
(The meeting was adjourned at this point and re convened at 5.50 p.m.)
166 Adult Services Budget Monitoring: 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 contents of the report for monitoring purposes.
(Councillor P Prescott declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item because of his wife’s employment within a Care Home.)
167 Building Schools for the Future: New School Competition for Lowton and Golborne (minute 120 refers): The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, presented by the Interim Service Director - Schools for the Future, Sue Wilkinson, on the progress of the phase 1 Building Schools for the Future proposals for Lowton and Golborne High Schools and in particular the response to the competition.
Members were invited to attend a meeting on 26 January 2010 at 7.30 p.m. at Leigh Sports Village where the proposers, Lowton and Golborne Co-operative Learning Partnership, would explain their proposals to the public.
The Service Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
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 Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 56 refers) and a copy of the extract from the minutes was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the report and approves the proposed make up of the Panel; and
- awaits a further report in March 2010.
(Councillor J B Baldwin declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item as he is a Board Member of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.)
168 Feedback from Scrutiny Committees (if any): There was none.
169 Saddle Junction Improvement Project (minute 132 refers): The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Executive Director of Environmental Services, also presented by the Service Director Development, which provided Members with an update on the estimated acquisition costs of the Council of purchasing the First Bus Depot, located on Pottery Road, Wigan and seeking agreement to proceed with the acquisition of the aforementioned depot.
The Service Director Development referred to the main points contained within the report. He reported on the costs for the acquisition of the site and relocation costs and compared these costs to the alternative option previously considered.
The Service Director – Borough Solicitor, reported that in view of the timeframe for completion of the relevant contract by the end of January, the Mayor had given his consent to the Cabinet decision on this item being treated as urgent pursuant to the provisions of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to assist with the relocation plans for the Company.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- approves the acquisition of the First Bus site and notes and approves the minimum and maximum costs as detailed in the report; and
- that in view of the timeframe it considers this decision to be urgent and therefore not subject to call in.
(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.)
170 Bowling Green located at Poolstock, Wigan: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Business Support Services on whether the Council’s freehold interest in land at Pool Street and Poolstock, Wigan should be disposed of to the owner of the adjacent commercial premises or retained by the Council and a new lease granted to the existing tenant to ensure continuation of local sporting and community facilities in the area.
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 the report.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Letters in support or retaining the sporting facility had been received from Councillors J B Baldwin, J S Birch, M A Dewhurst, S Dewhurst, Ms P L Holland and W Rotherham.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees to retain the freehold interest in the land and grant an extension to the existing lease for a period of 12 months and in that time, the existing tenant be requested to improve the property and provide a longer term business plan to include increased community use of the site.
171 Unannounced inspection of Children’s Social Services 13 and 14 January 2010: The Chief Executive referred to the results of the inspection in January 2010, which demonstrated the strengths of the Service in Wigan. The outcome of the inspection had been positive.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the report and places on record its thanks to the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, the Head of Service – Social Care and the staff involved for the work undertaken.
