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).
- Councillors 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 P Prescott (Portfolio Holder for Lifestyle).
- Councillor C Ready (Portfolio Holder for Improvement).
- Councillor F B Walker (Portfolio Holder for Efficiency).
Officers in attendance
- Christine Charnock-Jones – Principal Committee Services Officer
- 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
- Nick Lamper – Democratic Services Officer
- Paul Mckevitt – Service Director, Corporate Services
- David Mather – Principal Public Relations Advisor
- John Mitchell – Head Of Legal Division
- Steve Normington – Service Director - Development
- Joyce Redfearn – Chief Executive
- Louise Sutton – Service Director, Personalisation and Community Services
- Sue Wilkinson – Service Director – Schools For The Future
Officers in attendance from outside organisation (for minute 205 only)
- Dr Kate Ardern - Director of Public Health, Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust
Please note that where a resolution is in bold, then this determines that the report involved a key decision.
191 Apologies for absence: Councillor D T Molyneux (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration).
192 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 February 2010 were approved as a correct record.
193 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 |
Wigan Inner Relief Route – progress update |
213 |
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 |
Future jobs fund |
214 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the Council) |
| E3 |
Leigh Sports Village |
215 |
3 (Information about the financial or business affairs of any person or organisation, including the Council) |
194 Proposal to enlarge Lowton Junior and Infant School (minutes 32 and 139 refer): The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director Children and Young People’s Services, Nick Hudson, presented by the Service Director – Schools for the Future, Sue Wilkinson, which informed Members of the response to the statutory notice containing the proposal to enlarge Lowton Junior and Infant School.
On 14 January 2010, Wigan Council published a statutory notice to enlarge Lowton Junior and Infants School by increasing the physical capacity from 119 to 210 pupils so that the school admits 30 children into each year group. The statutory representation period was four weeks and the Local Authority received two letters making comments on or objections to the proposal, by the closing date of 11 February 2010.
The Service Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
Details of the alternative options that had emerged from the consultation had been set out in previous reports (minutes 32 and 139 refer).
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People welcomed the report.
The report had been considered by the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 69 refers) and a copy of the minute extract was available at the meeting.
The Head of Legal Division, John Mitchell, reported that in view of the statutory timeframe 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.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- determines the proposal to enlarge Lowton Junior and Infant School by increasing the physical capacity of the school to 210 pupils so that the school admits 30 pupils in each year group; and
- agrees to exempt the above decision from call in on the basis that it is urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s interests in view of the statutory timeframe for the proposal.
195 Statutory proposals to discontinue Lowton and Golborne High Schools and establish a new secondary school (minute 32 refers): The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director Children and Young People’s Services, presented by the Service Director – Schools for the Future, which provided information on stages 2 and 3 of the statutory consultation (statutory notices and representation period) on proposals to discontinue Lowton and Golborne High Schools and establish a new school through competition. It also reported on the Panel’s judgement of the submission received for the new school.
The Cabinet at minute 32, considered a report on stage 1 on the statutory consultation on Building Schools for the Future including including the vision for Building Schools for the Future and the proposals for phase 1 of the programme.
The proposals for phase 1 included proposals to discontinue both Lowton and Golborne High Schools and establish a new secondary school through competition.
The Service Director referred to the main points contained within the report.
Details of the alternative options that had emerged from the consultation had been considered at the pre consultation and stage 1 consultation which provided the opportunity for individuals to submit alternative proposals. This report covered the Local Authority’s statutory proposal.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People welcomed the report, but was concerned about the affects on the traffic volume in the area. She advised Members that she had visited the new Abraham Guest School the previous day on its opening and confirmed that this had gone smoothly from the point of view of students and parents.
The report had been considered by the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 82 refers) and a copy of the minute extract was available at the meeting.
The Head of Legal Division, reported that in view of the statutory timeframe 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. However, there would be time to allow what in effect would be a limited call in provided that any recommendations on a call in be referred back to Cabinet on 15 April 2010.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
1. agrees that, subject to entering into the necessary BSF agreements; Treasury approval of the preferred procurement route; acquisition of sufficient site area; and planning permission, approve conditionally the proposals to: -
- discontinue Lowton High School and Golborne High School with effect from 31 August 2011;
- establish a new 11–16 high school for 1,500 pupils with effect from 1 September 2011, initially on the two school existing sites and moving to the Hesketh Meadow Lane site once build is complete;
- the new school competition be awarded to the Golborne and Lowton Co-operative Learning Partnership; and
- the conditions being met by 31 May 2010.
2. agrees to exempt the above decision from call in on the basis that it is urgent, the matter has already been considered by the appropriate scrutiny committee and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s interests in view of the statutory timeframe for the proposal.
(Councillor J B Baldwin and the Chief Executive of the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust left the meeting whilst the Cabinet made its decision on this item).
196 Leigh Salford Manchester Busway – option agreement: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, Gillian Bishop, presented by the Service Director – Development, Steve Normington, which updated Members on the progression of the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Guided Busway project and sought a decision on the terms of the transfer of land required for the operation of the busway. The report gave the background to the project and sought approval on a way forward of whether to transfer the land to the GMPTE at a nominal rather than market value.
The Service 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 be consistent with the approach adopted with locally funded transport schemes elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the progress being made on the development of the Leigh-Salford- Manchester Guided Busway project;
- agrees to the principle that within the revised option agreement, in recognition of the contribution of the scheme to the regeneration of the borough, provision is made that land to be transferred to GMPTE for the necessary operation of the Leigh-Salford-Manchester Guided Busway project and is done so on the basis of nominal value subject to agreement being reached with GMPTE on the funding for the maintenance of the linear park running alongside the busway which will be in the Council’s ownership; and
- agrees that the final detailed arrangements for the revised option agreement be reported back to Cabinet for approval.
197 Fair Access to Care - Eligibility Criteria: The Cabinet considered a report that informed Members, that in March 2005, the Council set its eligibility criteria under Fair Access to Services at a level where needs associated with critical and substantial were met. The Service Director, Personalisation and Community Services, Louise Sutton, informed Members that the Council was required to review their eligibility criteria annually in line with their usual budgetary cycle.
The Service 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 produce significant savings to meet the additional demand.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The report had been considered by the Adult Health and Well Being Scrutiny Committee (minute 70 refers) and a copy of the minute extract was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees that the Council’s eligibility criteria remain at Critical and Substantial need for 2010/11.
198 LTP settlement and Highways capital programme for 2010/11: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, presented by the Service Director - Development, which informed Members of the Local Transport Plan Settlement for 2010/11 and which sought approval for Wigan’s Highways Capital Programme for 2010/11, following consideration at minute 5 of the joint meeting of Cabinet and the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee and minute 62 of Council.
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.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the contents of the report and approves the detail of the Highways Capital Programme for 2010/11.
199 Building schools for the future (BSF) – phase one development briefs (Lowton Civic Hall site, Hindley High School, Bedford High School, Hesketh Fletcher C of E High School and Westleigh High School): The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, presented by the Service Director – Development, which informed Members that a draft development brief has been prepared for each of the school sites within phase one of the BSF programme and to request the approval of their contents.
The Service 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 satisfy the BSF outline business case (OBC), which must be submitted to the Partnership for Schools by 15 April 2010.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet approves the contents of the draft development briefs for phase one of the BSF programme.
(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.)
200 St Helens Local Development Framework: amendments to core strategy publication draft: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, presented by the Service Director – Development, which advised Members that St Helens Council was at an advanced stage of preparing its Core Strategy as part of the St Helens Local Development Framework. The Council would be consulting until 24 March 2010, prior to submission of the plan for examination. The key issue for this borough was in relation to proposals in the plan for a strategic rail freight interchange at Parkside, to the east of Newton le Willows and whether to retain or withdraw the objections that Wigan Council has submitted as a result of the changes made.
The Service 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 contribute to the shaping of the St Helens Core Strategy which would have implications for Wigan Borough.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- maintains its outstanding objection to Policy CAS3.2 – Development of a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in St Helens Core Strategy on the basis of the potential adverse impact on the openness of the Green Belt;
- withdraws the other aspects of its objection to the policy; and
- defers its position on the site boundary and any other relevant matters to consideration of the subsequent Allocations Development Plan Document, as well as maintaining its objections to the planning application that remains undetermined.
(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.)
201 Community Governance Review in relation to petitions for Town or Parish Councils: The Cabinet considered a report of the Service Director – Borough Solicitor, presented by the Head of Legal Division, John Mitchell, which sought Members views on the nature of a Community Governance Review to be carried out following the receipt of a petition seeking the formation of a town council.
The Head of Legal Division referred to the main points contained within the report.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered at section 3.2.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet agrees that following the receipt of a petition seeking the formation of a town council and taking into account the guidance of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Electoral Commission, a Community Governance Review be carried out for the whole of the Borough.
202 Determination of Admission Arrangements 2011-2012: Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which informed Members on the Local Authority consultation on admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools and nurseries for 2011-12.
Where there was a proposed change in the admission arrangements, the Local Authority must consult for an eight week period up to 1 March 2010, the governing bodies of all community and voluntary controlled, voluntary aided and foundations schools in Wigan, the Admission Forum, neighbouring authorities, parents and community groups before determining these arrangements.
Each year, the Local Authority had to consult the governing bodies of all schools for which it was the admission authority, on the admission arrangements it proposed. The Admission Forum at its meeting on 27 January 2010, supported the proposed admission arrangements for all community and voluntary controlled secondary schools.
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 advice of the Admission Forum, the Schools Adjudicator, guidance in the School Admissions Code of Practice and the response to statutory consultation.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
The Executive Leader asked that following the School Adjudicators decision to enlarge Westleigh High School and close Hesketh Fletcher High School as part of the Council’s Building Schools for the Future programme, would any children be prejudiced by the decision and the Executive Director confirmed that children who had originally applied for Hesketh Fletcher School would now be offered their second choice school.
The report had been considered by the Children, Young People and Families Scrutiny Committee (minute 70 refers) and a copy of the minute extract was available at the meeting. The report would also be considered by Council at its meeting to be held on 28 April 2010.
Resolved: The Cabinet endorses the recommendations outlined in the report prior to submission to Council.
(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. Councillor K Anderson declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item because he is a school Governor for Christ Church CE Primary Pennington appointed by the Council.)
203 Proposals for Orrell Library: The Executive Leader and the Chairman of the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee have agreed to the consideration of the report as a matter of urgency, the special circumstances being the need to obviate any delay.
The Cabinet considered a report of the Service Directors of Customer Transformation and Neighbourhoods, Steve Peddie and Neil Fearnley respectively, presented by the Deputy Chief Executive, Sue Johnson, which advised Members of the ongoing work and discussions with the community in relation to providing some service for those residents who may not be able to access services following the closure of Orrell Library in April 2010 and its relocation to Limbered Green.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered at section 4. The reason for recommending option two was to respect the wishes of the community.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- supports option 2, to keep the library building open, but that the community retain a smaller space within the building to carry forward plans to create a community focus, drop in and information hub, with a large part of the building being taken to relocate Metrofresh from the Orrell District Office building which is close by; and
- authorises the Service Director – Neighbourhoods to prepare a business plan in conjunction with the community which sets out clear timescales by which the venture would become sustainable by the community.
(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. 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.)
204 The Effects of the Recession on Public Health: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health, Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust, Kate Ardern, which sought Members approval prior to publication.
The Director of Public Health 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 Executive Leader referred to the good work being undertaken by the AGMA Health Commission and to a Seminar which had been held on 15 March 2010, where the focus of the debate had been on further joined up working for the future with partner agencies.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the contents of the report prior to its publication.
205 Children’s Social Care revenue budget monitoring as at the 31 January 2010: The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director of Children and Young People’s Services and the Executive Director of Business Support Services, David Smith, which was presented by the Service Director, Corporate Services, Paul McKevitt. The report informed Members of the budget monitoring position for Children’s Social Care Services as at 31 January 2010.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to alert Members to potential problems at the earliest opportunity.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the report now submitted.
206 Adult Services Budget monitoring 2009/10: The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director of Health and Well being and the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which was presented by the Service Director, Corporate Services. The report informed Members of the budget monitoring position for Adult Services after the first ten months of 2009-10. The report also sought comments on the budgetary issues that 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.
The report had been considered by the Adult Health and Well Being Scrutiny Committee (minute 71 refers) and a copy of the minute extract was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the report now submitted.
207 Update on the Housing Response to the Economic Recession: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, which informed Members on the housing effects of the economic situation in the borough and the measures being implemented to relieve those worst affected.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to consider future initiatives.
Resolved: The Cabinet endorses the proposals as set out within the report and notes the progress made in helping to minimise the housing effects of the economic situation in the borough.
208 Energy, Efficiency Measures to Council Houses: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, which informed Members of which informed Members of the measures being implemented to improve the energy efficiency of Council housing.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to emphasise the importance of fuel savings to residents and the improvement to their quality of life over other options.
The report had been considered by the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee (minute 58 refers) and a copy of the minute extract was available at the meeting.
Resolved: The Cabinet endorses the approach taken by Wigan and Leigh Housing to improve the energy efficiency of Council housing.
209 Single Commissioning Agency – Joint Shadow Board 21 January 2010: The Minutes of the meeting of the Single Commissioning Agency – Joint Shadow Board held on 21 January 2010 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the minutes now submitted.
210 Councillor Services Group Minutes – 3 February 2010: The Minutes of the Councillor Services Group held on 3 February 2010 were submitted for information.
Resolved: The Cabinet notes the minutes now submitted.
211 Feedback from Scrutiny Committees (if any): There was none.
212 Wigan Inner Relief Route – Progress update: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, which was presented by the Service Director – Development and which updated Members on the progress made to date in developing the Wigan Inner Relief Route (WIRR) project and setting out the timescales for delivery and financial implications.
A formal commitment from the Council was necessary in order to support the project and to make provision for the relevant funding to facilitate the land assembly and prepare for a Compulsory Purchase Scheme (CPO) submission, while the Major Scheme Business Case (MSBC) was being developed.
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 avoid delays with the scheme and to secure the necessary funding.
Members asked a number of questions and commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- endorses the report and approves a commitment to fund the additional £2.8 m required from the Council to lever in external funding of £27 m when conditions permit, requiring an expenditure commitment of £1.1 m in the next financial year; and
- agrees to receive further progress reports.
213 Future jobs fund: The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director Environmental Services, which was presented by the Service Director – Development and which informed Members of the current status on the implementation of the AGMA Future Jobs Fund project in Wigan. The report sought approval for the carry over of the Working Neighbourhoods Fund to continue delivery of the project in the next financial year.
The Executive 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.
Resolved: The Cabinet:-
- notes the contents of the report and supports the implementation of the project in Wigan; and
- authorises the Service Director – Development to establish the economic benefits of the project.
214 Leigh Sports Village (minute 39 (3) refers): The Executive Leader and the Chairman of the Economy, Environment, Culture and Housing Scrutiny Committee have agreed to the consideration of the report as a matter of urgency, the special circumstances being the need to obviate any delay.
The Cabinet considered a report of the interim Executive Director of Business Support Services, presented by the Executive Leader, which gave an update on the progress made to date in discussions on upgrading facilities at the Leigh Sports Village in preparation for the next phase of the development.
The Executive Leader referred to the benefits of refurbishing the main pitch.
The report set out details of the alternative option to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to extend the use of the Stadium and generate opportunities for both the community use and income at the Sports Village.
Members commented on the various aspects of the report.
Resolved: The Cabinet supports the option to refurbish the main pitch at the Sports Village to assist in increasing community use and income.
The meeting concluded at 5.00 p.m.
