The Cabinet – also known as the ‘Executive’ – is responsible for major decisions concerning such things as spending, allocation of resources and the future direction of services provided by the authority.
The Cabinet makes recommendations to the council on the budget, the level of Council Tax and major service policies, and has the power to decide any issue which falls within the overall policy framework once it is agreed by the council. The work of the Cabinet is also monitored by the council’s scrutiny committees.
Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith, who also chairs the Cabinet, said: “The Cabinet is a powerful decision-making body that acts on behalf of the residents of the borough.
“It has a great many responsibilities and many of the decisions it takes can have a direct impact on the lives of residents.
“Decisions taken by the Cabinet are in line with the council’s ambitions to improve people’s lives and the opportunities open to them, as well as bringing jobs, investment and prosperity to our borough.
“Members of the Cabinet are also ward councillors with a direct link to local communities across the borough. They listen to the views of residents and act accordingly. The council’s Cabinet is your Cabinet.”
Wigan Council’s Cabinet is made up of seven senior councillors who are also known as ‘portfolio holders’, each with a specific area of responsibility. Cabinet members are:
- Peter Smith – Leader of Wigan Council and Chair of the Cabinet.
Responsible for: Council strategy (including the budget); partnership working; and external relations at sub-regional, regional and national level.
- David Molyneux – Portfolio Holder – Regeneration (and Deputy Leader of the Council)
Responsible for: Planning, transportation, the borough’s future housing needs, infrastructure, economic development and the borough’s ‘green’ agenda.
Making sure there is a diverse range of housing to meet the borough’s needs and taking advantage of Wigan’s location between the M6 and the M61 and the West Coast Mainline.
Increasing the borough’s educational attainment and skills, along with revitalising the borough’s town and district centres. Working with public and private sector partners to secure investment and market Wigan in Greater Manchester and the region.
- Kevin Anderson – Portfolio Holder – Environment and Communities.
Responsible for: building up safer communities with police and other partners and stronger communities in sustainable and affordable neighbourhoods.
The delivery of services for waste and recycling, highways, environmental protection, environmental health and licensing.
The efficient functioning of the borough’s roads and tackling issues such as congestion, community safety, cleansing and environmental health.
- Ged Bretherton – Portfolio Holder for Efficiency.
Responsible for: efficiency across the authority and in collaboration with other authorities.
How the council serves its customers and for providing ‘joined-up’ services.
Council staff and links to communications and customers.
- Keith Cunliffe – Portfolio Holder – Adults and Health.
Responsible for: issues relating to improving health and well-being in our borough.
Commissioning services to promote independence and keep people safe when it is necessary and to help people to make informed choices about their lives and the care they receive.
Supporting older people and adults with disabilities and their carers.
- Susan Loudon – Portfolio Holder – Children and Young People’s Services.
Responsible for: issues and services relating to young people aged 0 to 19.
Working with more than 140 schools across the borough and supporting all young people.
Supporting all children and young people to achieve key outcomes of being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being.
- Chris Ready – Portfolio Holder – Communication and Customers
Responsible for: Customer service and communications.
Wigan Council’s image and reputation.
Improving participation in leisure and cultural activity and representing the council on the board of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.
Any questions?
You can now ask the Cabinet questions and receive an answer from the relevant member. Questions can be sent via Wigan Council's website.
The answer will be posted within 10 days. It must be a question, rather than a comment or complaint (there are other mechanisms for these).
If the Cabinet cannot answer within 10 days they will let you know why. You can access this service at The Cabinet
