| PTF.376 | Councillor Pickstone declared a personal interest in Minute.382 below, Healthy Futures Consultation 2011, as a non Executive Director of Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. |
| PTF.378 | Leigh Webb, Democratic Services Officer, informed the meeting that under the terms of the Township Forum Framework there could be up to nine Advisory Group Members on the Township Forums, with one place allocated to a young person. It was reported that since the last meeting there had been a further 3 applications to serve on the Advisory Group. Following a ballot of Elected Members it was reported that the following
applicants had been elected:
Mr D Stanley - Prestwich Clough Centenary Committee
Mr F Adam - Manchester and District Jewish Representative Council
Mrs E Field (Interlink Foundation)
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| PTF.379 | Councillor Quinn requested the inclusion of comments and questions raised by Mr K Hodges in respect of the evidence base for the use of Ipad technology; the steps being taken to recycle at source; and why a fiscal dimension had been assigned to openness and democracy as part of the Plan for Change consultation. |
| PTF.380 | The Township Forum considered a presentation from the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor John Smith, and the Council’s Executive Director of Resources . The presentation set out the following information:
Between April 2011 and March 2015 the Council would have to find savings of £32 million.
The Council would expect to make savings of £7.9 million in 2012-13 and although the Council has not been given firm grant figures for 2013-14 and 2014-15 the Council would envisage these savings to be in the region of £4.1 million and £5.7 million, respectively.
The possible Council Tax freeze for next year may also have a big impact on the level of savings, without the Government cuts the Council would be have been able to invest £8million into services.
Bury’s Government grant is also being cut by £21.0million between 2010-11 and 2014-15. Bury would have a bigger grant cut than other Councils. The average grant cut across England for 2011-12 would be 7.4%, Bury’s grant would be cut by 9.0%.
The budget plans assume a Council Tax rise of 3.5% in line with the Government’s own forecasts, the Government would be asking the Council to freeze the Council Tax level again for 2012-13. If the Council agree to this the government would give the Council cash to the equivalent of a 2.5% rise, this money would be a one-off amount for next year only and the Council would lose the money, in the future; this would result in further cuts of £1.9million in
2013-14.
The Council would constantly strive to identify efficiency savings. The Council would intend to make £10.4million of efficiency savings in the next 3 years, these initiatives would save 270 jobs.
During August and September 2011 the Council undertook a large consultation exercise which asked residents and visitors to prioritise the range of services that the council deliver. It was reported that within Prestwich residents had prioritised support for vulnerable people; maintaining high quality education and training; and a strong local economy.
Questions and comments were invited from Members of the Township Forum and the following issues were raised:
• In response to a question concerning energy procurement, the Executive Director of Resources explained that the Council did exercise joint purchasing power with other local authorities through AGMA and the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation.
• Kevin Hodges raised concern about potential job losses as a result of delivering more services electronically. The Executive Director explained that ,whilst recognising the value of electronic service delivery, it was not relevant or appropriate in every case.
• In response to a question from Penny Blythe concerning Ipad technology in bin wagons, it was explained that savings would be achieved through tracking missed bin collections.
• Peter Thompson expressed concerns about the level of Councillor expenses and costs of governance. The Deputy Leader of the Council highlighted the importance of transparent public meetings and explained that steps had been taken to reduce Special Responsibility Allowances for Councillors by 10% and restrict travel expense claims to out of borough journeys only.
• With regard to the use of renewable energy as a means of achieving savings, the Executive Director highlighted the current initiatives in place but explained that some schemes did require substantial capital investment.
• Councillor O’Hanlon highlighted the potential for saving money through sharing services, providing services for other Councils and devolving budgets from the centre.
• In response to service areas highlighted for review, the Deputy Leader explained that these would be undertaken over a 3 year period.
• With regard to recycling, Tom Gribben explained that as the proprietor of a small business he was not provided with a range of recycle bins and was only able to recycle commercially. The Executive Director undertook to raise the issue with Environment
and Development Services.
• In response to a request from Frank Adam, the Executive Director provided the figures in respect of the Councils Capital Budget (£35m) and Revenue Budget (£400m).
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| PTF.381 | David Wiggins, Principal Planning Officer, gave a presentation at the meeting setting out details of the Spatial Development Strategy, which governs the level and location of development, along with information relating to the Policy Framework for determining planning applications. The presentation outlined the key points relating to employment and housing and issues relating directly to Prestwich.
It was reported that the Consultation on the draft Publication Core Strategy would run from 18 November 2011 to 13 January 2012; copies of the Core Strategy and supporting documents would be available at the Town Hall, the Planning Office at Knowsley Place and in all public libraries.
Questions and comments were invited from Members of the Township Forum and the following issues were raised:
• Councillor Pickstone expressed support for the development of local sustainable business’s in Prestwich to allow people to shop locally and not have to travel to large retail centres.
• In response to a question form Mr Hodges relating to green belt land, the Principal Planning Officer, confirmed that there were no plans to release green belt land in the Prestwich area.
• Members highlighted the importance of developing more affordable housing in Prestwich and expressed support for more energy efficient and innovative design.
• Councillor Bayley highlighted the need for an integrated public transport system to serve the residents of Prestwich.
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| PTF.382 | Helen Sigsworth, NHS Patient Experience Manager gave a presentation setting out the proposed changes to planned cardiology and stroke rehabilitation services within Bury and Rochdale.
During discussion of this item, Peter Thompson highlighted the issue of inadequate car parking at Fairfield hospital, which would be compounded if extra services were to be provided. Helen Sigsworth undertook to take this issue back to the consultation team.
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| PTF.383 | The Chair, Councillor V D’Albert, invited questions, comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting. Questions were asked and comments made on the issues detailed below. The Township Forum Co-ordinator undertook to obtain a reply to matters which could not be dealt with at the meeting.
• David Curtis announced that he was stepping down from carnival committee, after 16 years in the role. David thanked all that had helped him and introduced Frank Shatliffe as the new chair of Carnival committee. Thanks were extended to David for all his hard work on behalf of the Township Forum by the Chair, Counicllor Vic D’Albert.
• Kim Griffiths, Township Forum Co-ordinator, provided an update on early preparations for the 3 day Stone Roses concerts to be held over the weekend of 29 June 2012. It was reported that bi-monthly multi-agency meetings were planned to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken for the event. The views of the community will be fed into the management of the event. The Township Forum Co-ordinator undertook to obtain further information in respect of parking issues on the Bury side of the Park; potential opportunities for local businesses to be involved; and the level of income raised from the event to be re-invested in the Park.
• Peter Thompson enquired about how can local groups apply for council funding. The Township Co-ordinator undertook to send out relevant information to Mr Thompson.
• Tom Gribben enquired whether the CCTV camera at Church Lane could be moved around to face different directions occasionally. The Township Co-ordinator explained that the Head of Security has been asked to do a brief report on CCTV coverage for Prestwich at the next meeting.
• Kevin Hodges enquired why a decision was taken in private to provide £300k support for Bury Met Arts Association and how could this be seen as fair when meal provision had been withdrawn from local Day Centres in the Borough ? The Chair, Councillor D’Albert undertook to ensure the question was forwarded to the Leader of the Council.
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| PTF.384 | The Township co-ordinator reported that the next meeting of the Township Forum due to held on the 6 February 2012 would be a round table discussion. The purpose of the discussion would be to collate feedback to identify four of five key realistic and achievable priorities to incorporate within the draft Prestwich Area Plan.
The Township co-ordinator reported that the plan would be agreed at the meeting held on the 5th March 2012.
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| PTF.385 | Inspector Kenny provided an update on Policing within Prestwich. The meeting was informed that from baseline targets, crime was down within the area by 13.3%. It was explained that residents should be vigilant and were reminded to keep homes protected by making sure doors and windows were locked and to use light switch timers when properties were empty.
Inspector Kenny reported that Greater Manchester Police had produced a Policy Pledge in respect of the following 3 areas:
• Anti-social behaviour
• Drug related activities/prevention
• Licensed premises management
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