Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from the Leader, Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Councillor Shabaz Arif, and Lynne Ridsdale (Chief Executive).

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

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

Bury Art Museum Appointment of Contractor

Updated report of the Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills presented a report which sought approval to appoint a contractor for work to the Bury Art Museum roof. This had been deferred from the previous meeting in order to clarify a point regarding the named contractor. Councillor McGill confirmed the crux of the matter was a mistake over two similar trading names, and gave assurances around the enhanced due diligence that had been undertaken. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that Constellia, the external procurement agency, had issued a letter of apology and the Council retained confidence in using their services for future projects.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the receipt of £589,545 restricted grant funding from the Arts Council, and £65,505 match funding from Bury Council, together totalling £655,050.04, which is specifically allocated for essential and urgent repairs of the roof at Bury Arts Museum (“Building Works”);

2.    Noted that Bury Council as part of the funding conditions has entered a Deed of Covenant with the Arts Council dated 15th December 2025, this places a 15-year restriction over the freehold of Bury Arts Museum. This is in accordance with an earlier Cabinet approval (September 2024);

3.    Noted that the Council has committed an additional £247,833.59 towards the cost of the Building Works;

4.    Noted the procurement process that has been undertaken by the Council to identify a contractor to undertake the Building Works;

5.    Approved the appointment of Craftsman Restoration Ltd (07339652) trading as UK Restoration Services as the contractor (“Contractor”) to undertake the Building Works, with a total estimated contract value of up to £888,801.63 (“Fee”); and

6.    Noted that in line with the recommendation of the project panel, the form of contract with the Contractor, will be JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor's Design 2024 Edition including amendments.

Reasons for the decision:

·       Approval to appoint the Contractor is sought so that the urgent Building Works required to the BAM roof can commence. The Contactor has been selected by the project panel as the most qualified/experienced to carry out the work on a Grade II Listed building, and with the most competitive quote of the tenders.

·       As part of the procurement process, additional due diligence was undertaken to assess both the contractor’s capacity and capability to deliver the contract. This included a review of financial standing, project references, workforce arrangements and delivery model. The Council is therefore satisfied that the contractor possesses the necessary experience, technical expertise, operational capacity and supply chain arrangements to successfully undertake the works. Ongoing performance and financial monitoring will be maintained throughout the contract to provide continued assurance during delivery.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The Council has a statutory duty to protect Grade II listed buildings under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. If the urgent repairs to the BAM roof are not carried out, the water ingress will continue, and the condition of the building will deteriorate further. There are no alternative options, as the BAM roof  ...  view the full minutes text for item CA.33

Questions are invited from members of the public about the work of the Cabinet.

Notice of any question must be given to Democratic Services by midday on Monday, 6 July 2026. Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time, if required.

The following question was asked by a member of the public, Daniel Jacobs:

As part of a SAR (Subject Access Request) release, Helen Corbishley (Data Protection Officer) said the Council doesn’t hold any data internally about Tik Tok or Instagram videos or social media. On 9^th June Zoe Bread posted a video about my interaction with the Council, then on 12^th June there is a file that circulated in the Council labelled “all Uplands social media questions and lines in one document, shared in strictest confidence, not for onward circulation please”. Can you clarify how that statement can be true?

Councillor Lucy Smith passed to the Monitoring Officer Jacqui Dennis for a response, who advised that the Council would look into and review the matter. Councillor Smith added that Helen may have been answering generally, but that any statement made would have been in good faith. If there are specific examples we would be happy to review the matter.

Questions are invited from Elected Members about items on the Cabinet agenda. 15 minutes will be set aside for Member Question Time, if required.

Notice of any Member question must be given to the Monitoring Officer by midday Friday, 3 July 2026.

There were no Member questions.

Minutes from the meeting held on 30 June 2026 are attached.

It was agreed:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2026 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services presented a report providing an overview of progress for strategic priorities and delivery objectives during Quarter Four (January to March 2026) and the overall position at year end. Councillor Thorpe advised that the position was positive on the whole, with the majority of objectives delivered or on track, and mitigations in place for amber risks. He advised of one red rated risk, relating to the impact of an external provider delaying the flood defences at Hardy’s Gate bridge and, in response to Members’ questions, it was noted that there were other flood defences in the area and the external company was still committed to carry out the works.

In response to further questions, it was noted that the PRU site at Milton Road was on track for an opening date in September 2028, and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in place from September 2026 was welcomed, but support to help families before reaching crisis point continued. With regards to a rise in staff sickness, it was noted that this was a national trend across the public sector from increased pressure on staff, and Bury continued to develop programmes of support for staff mental health and wellbeing. With regards to Bury Market, it was noted that the problems were very complex to find solutions for and of a highly technical nature. Officers confirmed that the Markets Team communicated regularly with market traders, but more collaborative communication work was now needed. 

Finally, Councillor Thorpe advised that the reduction in agency staff had been successful and was continuing, with a strong employment offer being an inducement to work in Bury; an overview of the Unit 4 software could be provided outside of the meeting; KPIs were reviewed to ensure they remained appropriate, and a breakdown of households in temporary accommodation could be provided outside of the meeting.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the Quarter Four position 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 for Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services presented a report regarding the Council's final outturn position across the General Fund revenue and Capital budgets, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Councillor Thorpe reported that the General Fund outturn position was an overspend of £7.266m, which represented a favourable movement of £0.673m from the Quarter 3 forecast overspend. 68.19% of savings targets had been delivered, with the rest programmed in for next year. The Capital Programme had also seen slippage and would be reviewed and reprofiled with regards to delivery. It was noted that a drawdown of £7.266m from the budget stabilisation reserve has been required, and the reserve was no longer sufficient to support the forecast funding gap beyond 2027/28, though work continued on the budget review to identify savings and income generation.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:

·       The next 12 months would be a critical time, and nothing was “off the table” in terms of financial savings..

·       Savings plans put in place months or even years ago were starting to take effect (e.g. in Childrens Services). These had taken a long time to embed but were now showing financial benefits.

·       The biggest contributor to the non-service specific overspend was the delayed housing integration which was being closely monitored.

·       Internal governance structures were much stronger, giving better oversight and tracking of savings delivery, an identifying slippage or delays much sooner.

·       Care in the Community costs were split with NHS, and work was underway with NHS partners to review arrangements.

·       Underspend in personal budgets were followed up to ensure residents were happy.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the 2025/26 revenue outturn position of a £7.266m overspend (3.04%) against a net budget of £238.987m;

2.    Noted the in-year reduction in General Fund and Earmarked Reserves of £19.509m (30.67%) and closing balance at 31 March 2026 of £44.106m;

3.    Noted the 2025/26 achievement of savings of £7.729m (68%) against a target of £11.334m;

4.    Noted the overall 2025/26 capital programme outturn position of £100.413m, (84%) compared to the overall 2025/26 capital programme budget of £119.614m. This results in a £19.201m variance, mainly driven by £17.336m of rephased schemes into 2026/27, alongside £0.993m from schemes not progressed and £0.872m of savings across housing projects;

5.    Approved the in-year capital slippage of £17.336m being initially transferred into 2026/27 to enable an in-year review of the deliverability of the capital programme to be undertaken and the programme re-profiled accordingly;

6.    Noted the 2025/26 outturn position for the Collection Fund;

7.    Noted the 2025/26 outturn position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA); and

8.    Noted the 2025/26 outturn position for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

Reasons for the decision:

To note the final financial outturn position for 2025/26 subject to external audit.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report regarding the Quarter 4 reporting for Adult Social Care, including delivery of the Adult Social Care Strategic Plan, preparation for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assessment, and the department's performance framework. Thanks were extended to staff in Killelea House, which had achieved an Outstanding rating in the recent CQC inspection.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the Care Act assessment waiting list had been reduced from 83 to 68; and work was in place to reduce this further. Waiting lists were reviewed regularly and governed by the Waiting Well protocol, with individual care needs triaged at each stage of the journey. With regards to complaints, these were varied in subject and significance, but still represented a low number compared to number of residents served.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the report.

Reasons for the decision:

N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report regarding the results of first CQC assessment of Bury Local Authority and summarised the key strengths and areas where improvement was required. Councillor Tariq advised that the overall assessment found that Bury delivers Good standard of adult social care, with strengths in leadership, effective safeguarding, partnership working and a clear strategic vision. Members expressed their thanks to all staff and partners for their work and contribution, and officers thanked cross-party Councillors for their part in the inspection and outcome.

Decision:

Cabinet noted outcome of the CQC inspection of Adult Social Care.

Reasons for the decision:

N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report providing a position update to Bury’s independent advocacy services and sought approval for a 3-month extension to the current contract and permission to retender. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the extension had an above inflation increase, reflecting wage inflation, but still offered value for money as the provider was tested and reliable. With regards to the financial commitment from the ICB, this was a statutory duty so was assured.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved a tactical extension to current contractual arrangements for a further 3 months to a new expiry date of 31 March 2027.

2.    Approved the authorisation to commence a tender process for an independent advocacy service, awarding a 4-year contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months, commencing on 1 April 2027.

3.    Approved a delegation of contract award, following engagement, service development and tender evaluation, to the Director of Adult Social Services, with ongoing monitoring and delivery of outcomes.

4.    Noted that the new advocacy contract will be funded from the adult social care community care budget.

Reasons for the decision:

The recommendations align with the Procurement Act 2023. It is also a legal requirement for local authorities to provide an independent advocacy service that includes; Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Care Act Advocacy and Independent Complaints Advocacy.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

·       Contract expires and no re-tender – rejected as statutory duties would not be fulfilled.

·       Contract not extended and re-tendered for 1 January 2027 – rejected owing to the impact of legislative changes in relation to DoLS ruling on 2 June 26 not being fully clarified, CYP commissioners’ scoping work for an all-age contract not being complete, GM ICB decision to jointly commission a service not known in time, and launching a new service on 1st January that involves transferring support would be unnecessarily challenging over Christmas break.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Children and Young People presented a report regarding the outcome of the monitoring inspection undertaken in March 2026 by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which had concluded that effective action has been taken in all six priority action areas. Members congratulated all involved in getting Bury to this point. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that neurodiverse diagnoses sat at a GM level and could be discussed in full at the Health Scrutiny meeting next week.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the outcome of the monitoring inspection and the plans for continued transformation through the local SEND Reform Plan.

Reasons for the decision:

To formally note the outcome.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A

Report of the Deputy Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Children and Young People presented a report regarding the short-term extension and recommission of Bury’s Alternative Provision for children and young people. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the cost of extending the contract did not exceed a pro-rata measurement of the overall contract cost, but did allow additional time and flexibility to plan moving forwards.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the recommissioning of Bury’s Alternative Provision offer, in line with the Alternative Provision Strategy;

2.    Approved a structured programme of pre-market and stakeholder engagement including children, young people and families;

3.    Approved the short-term extension of existing contractual arrangements to 31st March 2027 via a blanket call-off order to the current providers, to ensure continuity of service;

4.    Approved the substantive procurement of a four-year Alternative Provision framework, with the route, two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure or open tender, to be confirmed by the outputs of pre-market engagement; and

5.    Noted that a further Cabinet report will be brought forward outlining the final delivery model, financial implications and contract award recommendations.

Reasons for the decision:

Cabinet approval of these recommendations will deliver several significant and interrelated benefits, for children and young people, families, education providers, and the Local Authority, as outlined in the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

·       Maintain current model – rejected as it does not address gaps, rising costs, or poor outcomes.

·       Redesign without engagement – rejected owing to a substantial risk of failure due to lack of market insight.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth presented a report regarding the approval for £153,009.00 additional capital funding for extra works to fully deliver the first phase of the Prestwich Village Regeneration project. Councillor Morris advised that the requirement for additional funding was identified as a late requirement through the statutory planning consultation. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that this included ICT equipment costs which needed to wait until the end of the construction contract in order to be in-line with the car park operator. It was noted there were no risks of other costs rising anticipated.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the additional capital funding requirement of £153,009.00 to ensure the full and successful delivery of Phase 1A (Travel Hub);

2.    Approved the use of the Council’s Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to fund the above additional costs using part of the approved funding for Phase 1A that was in place prior to the CRSTS grant being offered;

3.    Subject to legal approval of the terms under which it is provided, formally accepted the £14m CRSTS grant funding from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA);

4.    Acknowledged that, subject to the funding requirement outlined in the recommendation at Section 2.1, the allocation of £14m from the Council's Capital Programme to the Prestwich Travel Hub is no longer required, following the acquisition of £14m from the CRSTS programme to cover this expenditure; and

5.    Delegated to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer, authority to take all steps necessary to implement this decision, including finalisation of any arrangements, and provision of any Council JV LLP member consents.

Reasons for the decision:

To successfully complete the delivery of Phase 1A (Travel Hub) within the agreed programme timeline and to meet the planning pre-commencement conditions and delivery of additional works identified since the approval for the £14m cost envelope in July 2024 that cannot currently be met by contingency. A formal acceptance of the £14m CRSTS funding is required by Bury Council to enable the grant funding to be claimed.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

·       Not carry out the works associated with the planning pre-commencement condition, including Building Control requirements - this would prevent the Council from opening the Travel Hub.

·       Not carry out the works associated with the parking control equipment - this would prevent the Council from opening the Travel Hub.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth presented a report regarding proposed works packages included within the JCT Design and Build Contract (2016) encompassing the delivery of a full land remediation strategy and associated preparatory enabling works at Pyramid Park, a 7.4-acre disused brownfield site identified for a high-quality, sustainable residential development.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Authorised the council to appoint and enter into a Schedule of amendments to JCT Design and Build Contract (2016) with Conlon Construction Limited (company number 00708997) as the main contractor to deliver the Pyramid Park Remediation Main Works to unlock the site for residential development, up to a total contract value of £1,554,000.00 including contingency, and term of 90 days;

2.    Accepted the recommendation that Conlon Construction Limited undertake the Pyramid Park Remediation Main Works as per the estimated contract value set out in this report, subject to the agreement of any outstanding contract amendments and clarifications; and

3.    Delegated acceptance of the final contract sum up to a total contract value of £1,554,000.00, including contingency, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director of Place and Executive Director of Finance, and the council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth.

Reasons for the decision:

Approval for the Council to appoint and enter into contract with Conlon to undertake the remediation and associated main works is required in order for the Pyramid Park scheme to progress to the construction works phase, thus enabling the full defrayment of the BLRF2 grant monies, and which upon completion of the remediation works, will unlock this key opportunity site for comprehensive future residential redevelopment.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

·       Re-run the procurement process for a new main works contractor with a view to securing a lower contract sum - Starting the procurement process again through the same (NWCH), or an alternative PCR compliant framework, would result in significantly delaying the start-on-site date for the remediation works, by several months. Due to the unique nature of the remediation works, it is highly likely that re-running the procurement process would not result in a lower contract value or realise cost savings for the council. Further scheme prolongation, at this point in time, would expose the council to build cost inflation which continues to rise.

·       Do nothing and / or return the BLRF2 grant to OPE - By failing to appoint the prospective contractor to remediate the site and thus, defray the outstanding BLRF2 grant monies, in line with the agreed GFA delivery milestones, it would severely affect the long-term viability of the site for realising future residential development and the positive outcomes and improvements associated with it. This is due to the large abnormal costs and complex technical work required to bring the site forward for development, that only the allocated BLRF2 grant could feasibly support.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills presented a report regarding the extension of the Local Growth and Place Flexible Grant (LGPFG) programme 2025/26 and the new year of funding, now called Economic Development & Regeneration Grant Funding 2026/27. Members welcomed the paper and the contributions to cultural projects.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the update and the allocations for the Economic Development & Regeneration Grant Funding for 2025/26;

2.    Approved the proposals submitted to GMCA as listed below for Economic Development & Regeneration Grant Funding 2026/27;

3.    Delegated powers to Executive Director of Place in conjunction with Portfolio holders and the Director of Finance to make changes to the programme as issues arise through the year; and

4.    Noted the special requirements of the grant and vesting arrangements for EDRGF funding pertaining to the Casewell’s and Midlands Events LTD.

Reasons for the decision:

N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A

To consider passing the appropriate resolution under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the reason that the following business involves the disclosure of exempt information as detailed against the item.

Decision:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, for the reason that the following business involves the disclosure of exempt information as detailed against the item.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented the Part B report, which included the full financial details.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved a tactical extension to current contractual arrangements for a further 3 months to a new expiry date of 31 March 2027.

2.    Approved the authorisation to commence a tender process for an independent advocacy service, awarding a 4-year contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months, commencing on 1 April 2027.

3.    Approved a delegation of contract award, following engagement, service development and tender evaluation, to the Director of Adult Social Services, with ongoing monitoring and delivery of outcomes.

4.    Noted that the new advocacy contract will be funded from the adult social care community care budget.

Reasons for the decision:

As for Part A.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

As for Part A.