Agenda and minutes

Members of Cabinet are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters of the Agenda, and if so, to formally declare that interest.

Councillor Connolly declared a personal interest in any matters relating to the fact that his partner is employed by Adult Care Services.

Councillor Connolly announced that Councillor Michelle Wiseman would be proposed as the Mayor of Bury for 2014-2015.

Recommendation to Council:

That Councillor Michelle Wiseman be proposed as Mayor of Bury for 2014-2015.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2013.

Delegated decision:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2013 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting about the work of the Council and the Council’s services.

Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time, if required.

A period of thirty minutes was allocated for members of the public present at the meeting to ask questions about the work or performance of the Council or Council services.

Topic: Tree Removal

Question: Could the Council take action to remove an overgrown tree adjacent to 36 Wingate Drive, Whitefield for the reason that its roots had lifted pavement flag stones and the resident’s driveway?

Response: The details of the resident will be taken by an officer will make contact and arrangements to visit the address.

Topic: Potholes

Question: In view of the decisions of some local councils to close roads instead of making repairs to the potholes because of the cost, is closing roads something that Bury Council could consider in order to reduce spending on pothole repairs?

Response: The Council is not considering the closure of any roads as a cost saving measure. The use of new technology and materials has greatly improved the level of service the Council provides in repairing potholes.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report presenting the findings of the Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Challenge review of the Council’s corporate arrangements. The review took place in November 2013. The letter received from the LGA giving feedback and the draft Action Plan produced in order to address the areas of improvement identified in the letter were also submitted.

The review provided the opportunity to get an external view of the Council from qualified and experienced individuals from within local government. The scope of the review focussed on:-

·        Understanding of the local context and priority setting;

·        Financial planning and viability;

·        Political and managerial leadership;

·        Governance and decision-making;

·        Organisational capacity to deliver your priorities.

The feedback letter received from the LGA team highlighted many positives arising from the exercise. The Council was also provided with suggestions to assist in the preparation for the organisational and financial challenges ahead. These suggestions were addressed in the Action Plan as a list of tasks to be undertaken.

Delegated decisions:

1. That the report and findings in the Local Government Association response letter be received.

2. That approval be given to the Action Plan produced to the suggestions raised by the LGA in its feedback letter.

3. That the tasks listed in the Action Plan be taken forward and progress be reported to Cabinet at regular intervals.

Reasons for the decision:

This decision acknowledges the findings of the external review and puts in place actions to help the Council with the challenges that are likely to be faced post 2015.

Other options considered and rejected:

To reject the findings of the LGA Review Team.

Any other business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

Delegated decision:

That in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of information as detailed in the conditions of category 3.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Affairs and the Cabinet Member for Children and Families submitted a report setting out in financial   terms the details of a project to provide replacement and additional teaching accommodation at Elms BankSpecial High School. The scheme is to be funded from 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2015/16 Capital Programme and external grant funding.       

Delegated decision:

That approval be given to the financial details set out in the report submitted.

Reason for the decision:

The decision will allow the project to progress.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject or amend the recommendation.