Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Finance and Transformation is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Finance and Transformation presented a report providing a quarter one update on progress against the Corporate Plan. This demonstrated delivery and was subject to continued refinement to best monitoring impact. In response to Member questions, it was noted that Team Bury objectives reflected the work of all partners in Bury while this report focussed on the Council’s efforts. Delivery was demonstrated from the Council but impact was not necessarily linear or guaranteed and would require a longer timeframe, combined efforts from all partners, and the right monitoring metrics.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the update on progress against the Corporate Plan 2025/26.

Reasons for the decision:

To enable transparency and robust monitoring of performance and delivery of the Corporate Plan.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Not applicable.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Finance and Transformation is attached.

A report from Councillor Thorpe, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, was circulated ahead of the meeting. Councillor Thorpe was invited to present a brief overview, highlighting the Council’s Q1 performance. The report demonstrated strong alignment with corporate performance indicators, particularly those linked to core priorities such as reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive growth. Councillor Thorpe noted that delivery across services had been substantial, with minimal slippage, and that councillors had been actively engaged in key areas.

He drew attention to the significant progress made in Children’s Services, where all areas previously rated as “Requires Improvement” had shown advancement. Notably, leadership had moved from “Inadequate” to “Good,” reflecting the impact of targeted improvement efforts. Financial transformation was reported to be on track, with the implementation of zero-based budgeting progressing well, although there were some delays in specific areas such as the MAP programme. Councillor Thorpe also mentioned ongoing efforts to secure a permanent site for the PRU, with alternative locations currently being explored.

During the discussion, several councillors raised questions. Councillor Moss queried the reduction in HMOs from 80 to 10, referencing page 26 of the report. Councillor Thorpe and Robert Summerfield responded, explaining that the decline was reflective of market conditions and the high cost of construction. They noted that developments with fewer than 10 units often fall below the threshold for affordable housing contributions, although the number of affordable homes built is expected to increase in 2023–24. The Brownfield Housing Fund and Homes England grants were acknowledged as helpful, but insufficient to fully offset rising construction costs. Developments in Radcliffe and Seedfield were cited as examples of ongoing work, with support from GMCA and other partners.

Councillor Rydeheard asked about the Milltown Street bridge, which was destroyed in 2015, and whether there were plans for its reconstruction. Robert Summerfield advised that a response would be sought from Highways, and Neil Long would provide an update. Councillor Rydeheard also raised questions about the Elton and Walshaw sites, which were addressed by Councillor Birchmore.

On housing delivery, Councillor Birchmore referred to page 13 and asked about the timeline for the housing register delivery pipeline. Kate Waterhouse responded that the Homeless Strategy outlines a delivery period of approximately 18 months.

Councillor Moss raised a question regarding EHCPs, noting that while the number of new plans issued within 12 months had decreased, the number of children with EHCPs in schools had increased. Councillor Thorpe explained that this reflected a more realistic and targeted approach, with improved assessments and robust input from educational psychologists. He acknowledged that while fewer plans were being issued, those who needed them were receiving appropriate support, and the right to appeal remained in place. Councillor Marsden expressed concern about a potential backlog and questioned whether the reduced issuance might be due to increased stringency. Councillor Thorpe responded that the process had become more objective and rigorous, and that previous practices may have been overly generous. Councillor Marsden asked whether this could leave the Council open  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67