Key decisions from the meeting of the Full Council, Wednesday, 24 September, 2025
Welcome to our round-up from the latest meeting of the full council.
The agenda for the proceedings can be found on the Agenda (external link) along with a link to video footage and minutes.
Mayor’s welcome
With both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor not available for this meeting, a vote was held to determine the chair for the proceedings.
Former mayor Councillor Debbie Parkinson was approved.
Councillor Parkinson opened the meeting by wishing good luck to Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors for their upcoming play-off matches.
Likewise, the chamber wished good luck to Wigan Warriors Women for their upcoming Super League Grand Final clash with local rivals St Helens.
Tributes to Councillor George Davies
The first section of the meeting saw elected members from all political groups pay tribute to Councillor George Davies who passed away in July.
Coun Davies was first elected in 1987 and was made an honorary alderman in 2009.
Cabinet updates
Updates on the following topics were provided by members of the cabinet:
- Portfolio Holder for Police, Crime and Civil Contingencies
Councillor Kevin Anderson updated the council in relation to multi-agency work for community safety and tackling anti-social behaviour, Stop the Bleed training, and the promotion of unity across the borough.
- Portfolio Holder for Children and Families
Councillor Dane Anderton updated the council on the innovative work being undertaken within the Directorate, and visits that he has undertaken in the months prior to the meeting.
- Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environmental Services and Transport
Councillor Paul Prescott updated the council in relation to the response to recent flooding within the borough, and the winter response preparations currently taking place by the Directorate.
- Portfolio Holder for Housing and Welfare
Councillor Susan Gambles updated the council in relation to Greater Manchester’s (GM) ‘Month of Hope’ and the work being undertaken by the local authority and external agencies in regard to suicide prevention.
- Portfolio Holder for Communities and Neighbourhoods
Councillor Chris Ready updated the council in relation to Be Well and the requirement for the services provided to be accessible to all.
- Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Regeneration
The Executive Leader, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, updated the council in relation to the change of name of Leigh Sports Village, with the venue now being named the Progress with Unity Stadium.
You can view the full story on the Progress With Unity Stadium unveiled as new era begins at Leigh Sports Village article.
Notice of motions
Five motions were on the agenda for this meeting.
Here’s a quick explainer about ‘motions’ at full council:
Motions are proposed by one member and seconded by a colleague. This means they present the motion to the chamber. It is opened up for debate, meaning all members can speak on that subject should they choose to. The proposer and seconder are then asked to ‘sum up’ before it goes to the vote.
All the following motions were approved:
- Councillor Kevin Anderson called for the council to write to the government requesting stricter regulations governing the sale and use of e-bikes and e-scooters
- Councillor Dane Anderton’s motion asked the council to support campaigns advocating for the end of the two-child benefit cap
- Councillor Paul Prescott’s motion outlined the council’s support and solidarity for the campaigns for the full implementation of the Hillsborough Law
- Councillor Maureen O’Bern (IND) called for the council to write to the government calling for the implementation of stricter licensing and regulation of all houses of multiple occupation (HMOs)
- Councillor John Vickers made a request for the GM scheme for early morning concessionary travel to be made permanent.
For the full wording of each motion, please read the Agenda (external link).
*All councillors are Labour unless otherwise stated.
Posted on Wednesday 8th October 2025