Meeting documents

Council
Wednesday, 5th September, 2007 7.00 pm

Date:
Wednesday, 5th September, 2007
Time:
7.00 pm
Place:
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bury
 

Attendance Details

Present:
The Worshipful the Mayor (Councillor F A Chaudhry) in the Chair;
Councillors P Ashworth, K Audin, R L Baum, C A Berry, R A Bibby, D B Bigg, D Boden, K S Briggs, R C A Brown, J Byrne, W A Campbell, D M Cassidy, T P Chamberlain, S Cohen, M Connolly, S Costello, Y Creswell, A J Cummings, V D D’Albert, W J Davison, A J Garner, A S Garner, I B Gartside, J Grimshaw, D L Gunther, M Hankey, D M Higgin, T Holt, A Isherwood, S P Magnall, A K Matthews, D O’Hanlon, S P Penketh, T D Pickstone, P H Redstone, K Rothwell, J Smith, S J Southworth, B J Sullivan, J W H Taylor, B Theckston, B Vincent, R E Walker, J F Walton, M J Wiseman, S D Wright and Y S Wright
Co-opted:
14 members of the public attended the meeting
Apologies for absence:
Councillors D M Ashworth, L E Baucutt and M A Gibb
Buttons
Item Description Decision
Open
C.220 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Preamble for item C.220
 
C.221 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL
 RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 27 June and 8 August 2007 be confirmed as correct records and signed by the Mayor
C.222 MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Preamble for item C.222
 
C.223 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Preamble for item C.223
 
C.224 RECOMMENDATIONS OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Preamble for item C.224
RESOLVED:

1. That the appointment be approved.

2. That the recommendations contained in Minute P.206, be approved and adopted.
C.225 LEADER’S STATEMENT AND EXECUTIVE QUESTION TIME
Preamble for item C.225
 
C.226 SCRUTINY REVIEW REPORTS AND SPECIFIC ITEMS “CALLED IN” BY SCRUTINY COMMISSIONS
Preamble for item C.226
 
C.227 NOTICE OF MOTION
Preamble for item C.227
RESOLVED:

That the Motion as amended above, be approved and adopted.
C.228 JOINT AUTHORITIES - REPORT BY THE COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVE AND QUESTIONS
Preamble for item C.228
 
C.229 QUESTIONS ON THE WORK OF OUTSIDE BODIES OR PARTNERSHIPS
Preamble for item C.229
 
C.230 DELEGATED DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Preamble for item C.230
 
The meeting started at 7.00pm and ended at 9.20pm

Preamble

Preamble
ItemPreamble
C.220Councillor Costello declared a Personal Interest in the written question raised by Councillor Baum in relation to the Blue Bin Recycling Scheme (Minute C (225) below), as a resident of Nangreaves, Bury.
C.222The Worshipful the Mayor informed the Council of the recent deaths of Mr Brian Fink and Mrs Edith Hall. Mr Fink was a Member of the former Whitefield Urban District Council and served as Chairman during the 1973/1974 Municipal Year. Mr Fink had made an important contribution to the community of Whitefield. Mrs Hall was the Chairman’s Lady of the former Tottington Urban District Council during the 1964/1965 Municipal Year. Mrs Hall had been involved in many aspects of the community.

The condolences of the Council had been conveyed to both families.

All Councillors stood in silence as a mark of respect and in remembrance of Mr Fink and Mrs Hall.
C.223No questions were asked by members of the Public present at the meeting.
C.224(a) Minute S.34 of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 31 May 2007 - Appointment of an Independent Member.

It was moved by Councillor Higgin and seconded by Councillor Holt that Mr A Loyns be appointed as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee for the period 2007/2011 following an interview which took place after the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 31 May 2007.

(b) Minute P.206 of the meeting of the Planning Control Committee held on 24 July 2007 - Speaking rights of the public to speak at meetings of that Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Cohen and seconded by Councillor Cummings that the recommendations be approved.

On being put, with none dissenting, it was:-
C.225The Leader of the Council, Councillor R A Bibby, made a statement on the work of the Executive since the date of the last Council meeting.

The Leader and the relevant Executive Members answered questions raised by Members on the following issues:-

(a) Written Questions (Notice Given)

1. Issue: The restoration of the pond at the eastern end of Townside Fields, Bury
Questioner: Councillor Boden
Answered by (and action): Councillor Gunther

2. Issue: 1. Blue Bin Recycling Scheme - Roll-out 2. Extension of the Scheme and additional recylates collected
Questioner: Councillor Pickstone
Answered by (and action): Councillor Gunther

3. Issue: Blue Bin Recycling Scheme - Requests from residents for bins
Questioner: Councillor Baum
Answered by (and action): Councillor Gunther

4. Issue: Local Area Partnerships - Monies to spend outside priority areas
Questioner: Councillor D’Albert
Answered by (and action): Councillor Creswell

5. Issue: Complaints received regarding violations of the smoking ban
Questioner: Councillor S D Wright
Answered by (and action): Councillor Gunther

6. Issue: 1. Effectiveness of the Split Cycle and Offset Optimisation Technique 2. (SCOOT) - Traffic Control outcomes from study
Questioner: Councillor O’Hanlon
Answered by (and action): Councillor Byrne
(As formerly the Executive Member for Environment and Transport) (Outcome of Survey to be provided to Councillor O’Hanlon)

(b) Oral Questions submitted at the meeting without notice:-

7. Issue: Membership of the Corporate
Joint Consultative Committee
Questioner: C Cohen
Answered by (and action): Councillor Bibby, Leader of the Council - (endorsed the membership approved by Annual Council on 16 May 2007)

8. Issue: Availability of project management support for any future development of Prestwich Town Centre
Questioner: Councillor O’Hanlon
Answered by (and action): Councillor Bibby (To examine and reply to Councillor O’Hanlon)

9. Issue: Provisions in the Council Constitution relating to decision-making
Questioner: Councillor Boden
Answered by (and action): Councillor Bibby

10. Issue: Requested the reason for the withdrawal of Councillors Ashworth, Cohen and Walton from the meeting of the Corporate Joint Consultative Committee meeting on 28 June 2007
Questioner: Councillor Holt
Answered by (and action): Councillor S Cohen and Walton

11. Issue: Decision-making in respect of membership of the Nuclear-Free Local Authorities Group
Questioner: Councillor Campbell
Answered by (and action): Councillor Bibby
(Reply to Councillor Campbell

12. Issue: The proposed Marks and Spencer Store in the Rock Triangle Development
Questioner: Councillor Isherwood
Answered by (and action): Councillor Bibby

13. Issue: Development of Children’s Centres in Radcliffe
Questioner: Councillor Chamberlain
Answered by (and action): Councillor Bibby
C.226There were no Scrutiny Review Reports or specific items ‘called in’ by Scrutiny Commissions to be considered at this Council Meeting.
C.227The following Notice of Motion had been received from Councillors Boden, Matthews and Audin in accordance with Council Procedure 12:-

“This Council is aware of proposals to abolish Regional Assemblies and transfer their strategic powers to Regional Development Agencies.

In consequence, the responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of the North West’s regional spatial strategy will be transferred from the North West Regional Assembly to the North West Development Agency. Two thirds of the Members of the Regional Assembly are Elected Members appointed by and accountable to the Local Authorities in the region and one third are representatives of civil society in the region appointed by their organisations. In contrast, all the Members of the Regional Development Agency are appointed by the Secretary of State.

Thus, should the Government persist with its present intention, the democratic element of regional spatial planning and accountability to the Elected Local Authorities of the region will be lost.

We note that amongst the functions to be transferred in addition to the preparation of the regional spatial strategy, are the regional housing strategy, the regional transport strategy, the regional transport allocation and the scrutiny of the regional economic development strategy.

We consider that such changes would put into reverse the relatively modest devolution of power from the civil service and London based ministers to the English regions and lead to a significant diminution in the power of local elected representatives to influence the framework within which development would take place and which would impact upon the lives of the people we represent.

Accordingly, we resolve to;

1. call upon our Members of Parliament to note our concerns and convey them to Government Ministers.

2. inform the North West Regional Assembly of our continuing support for the retention of the control of the regional planning process by Elected Members of the Local Authorities of the region.”

In the names of Councillors Boden, Matthews and Audin.

It was moved by Councillor Boden and seconded by Councillor Matthews.

Prior to the debate on the Motion, Councillor Boden sought the permission of the Council to alter the Motion under Council Procedure Rule 14.7 by the addition of the following three paragraphs immediately prior to the words “Accordingly we resolve to;”

“Notwithstanding the foregoing strictures, we note with approval those elements of the Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration which offer opportunities for Local Authorities to come together in order to collaborate in promoting economic development and regeneration at sub regional or city region level.

We also note with approval the alacrity with which the AGMA Executive has moved to seize those opportunities whilst still recognising the need for effective regional planning and co-ordination.

We commend the proposal in the report to AGMA Executive that the existing Executive Board of the NWRA should be the basis for developing detailed proposals for co-ordinating and approving Housing, Transport and Planning policies at regional level.”

On being put, with 17 voting for, 29 against and 2 abstaining, the Mayor declared that the Council had not given its consent to the proposed alteration.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Bibby and seconded by Councillor Creswell by way of the deletion of the Motion and the substitution of the following:-

“This Council is aware of proposals to abolish Regional Assemblies and transfer their strategic powers to Regional Development Agencies.

In consequence, the responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of the North West’s regional spatial strategy will be transferred from the North West Regional Assembly to the North West Development Agency. Two thirds of the Members of the Regional Assembly are Elected Members appointed by and accountable to the Local Authorities in the region and one third are representatives of civil society in the region appointed by their organisations. In contrast, all the Members of the Regional Development Agency are appointed by the Secretary of State.

Thus, should the Government persist with its present intention, the democratic element of regional spatial planning and accountability to the Elected Local Authorities of the region will be lost.

We note that amongst the functions to be transferred in addition to the preparation of the regional spatial strategy, are the regional housing strategy, the regional transport strategy, the regional transport allocation and the scrutiny of the regional economic development strategy.

However, it is noted that as part of the sub-national review, Government has allowed for the possibility of sub/city regions taking on these functions.

We consider that such changes would put into reverse the relatively modest devolution of power from the civil service and London based ministers to the English regions and lead to a significant diminution in the power of local elected representatives to influence the framework within which development would take place and which would impact upon the lives of the people we represent.

Accordingly, we resolve to;

1. call upon our Members of Parliament to note our concerns and convey them to Government Ministers.

2. continue support for the retention of the control of the regional Planning process, together with regional spatial strategy by democratically Elected Members.

3. support for a Greater Manchester organisation democratically controlled to include these functions.”

On being put, 47 voted for, none against with the Mayor abstaining, the amendment was declared carried and it was:-
C.228(a) Councillor A J Garner, the Council’s representative on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, gave an oral report on the work of that particular Joint Authority.

(b) The nominated Spokespersons, as indicated below, answered questions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.2:-

1. Joint Authority and Questioner: Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority
Councillor Byrne
Issue: Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) and implications for this Authority
Answered by (and Action): Councillor A J Garner

2. Joint Authority and Questioner: Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority
Councillor Connolly
Issue: 1. Progress on the upgrading of the Metrolink tram system 2. Outcomes from a recent transport seminar
Answered by (and Action): Councillor A J Garner (To reply to Councillor Connolly on the outcomes from the seminar)

3. Joint Authority and Questioner: Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority
Councillor Chamberlain
Issue: 1. Cleaning of the Metrolink trackside in the Radcliffe area 2. How representatives on the GMPTA are informed of local issues
Answered by (and Action): Councillor A J Garner(To raise at next GMPTA Policy Committee the issue of informing representatives of local issues)

4. Joint Authority and Questioner: Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority
Councillor Pickstone
Issue: 1. Personal safety of passengers on the Metrolink tram system. 2. Passenger fears about public transport generally
Answered by (and Action): Councillor A J Garner(To raise passenger re-assurance issues with GMPTA)

4. Joint Authority and Questioner: Greater Manchester Police Authority
Councillor D’Albert
Issue: 1. Changes to crime and detection rates prior to and after the introduction of Police Community Service Officers (PCSO) 2.Review and monitoring of the ratio between PCSOs and Police Officers
Answered by (and Action): Councillor Walker (To raise with Greater Manchester Police Authority the need to monitor staffing ratios and discuss reply with Councillor D’Albert)
C.229There were no written questions on the work of outside bodies or partnerships on which the Council is represented.
C.230The following questions had been raised by members giving written notice, in relation to delegated decisions contained in Digests 1, 2 and 3 (2007/2008):-

1. Issue and Minute Number: Children’s Centres Programme
Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission
(25 July 2007 - Minute CYP.183)
Questioner: Councillor Boden
Answered by (and Action): Councillor Costello

2. Issue and Minute Number: Domestic Violence Scrutiny Review (Work Programme) Safe, Strong and Confident Communities Scrutiny Commission
(21 June 2007 - Minute SS.94)
Questioner: Councillor Boden
Answered by (and Action): Councillor Theckston (To consider both genders in the Review)

3. Issue and Minute Number: Consumption of alcohol in streets and public places (Work Programme) Safe, Strong and Confident Communities Scrutiny Commission
(21 June 2007 - Minute SS.94)
Questioner: Councillor Boden
Answered by (and Action): Councillor Theckston(To consider also sale of alcohol to young people in the Review)