Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any matters on the agenda and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions on matters considered at the last meeting and set out in the minutes or on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

There were no public questions.

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

The following question was submitted in advance of the meeting by Councillor R Bernstein.

“What action does the Council feel is appropriate to respond to the results from the GM Crime Survey where more than one third of people are not confident of getting help from GMP in an emergency”

Minutes from the meeting held on 3^rd July 2025 are attached.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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 OSC.67

Report to Follow

In the absence of Councillor O’Brien, Councillor Thorpe attended the meeting to provide an overview of the regeneration and housing portfolio. He began by outlining the scale of the current regeneration programme, which includes over 30 active projects with a combined value of approximately £140 million. These projects span a wide range of physical regeneration initiatives and intersect with the work of other strategic boards, including the Housing Growth Board and the Commercial Board, particularly in relation to the Millgate Shopping Centre. There is also significant crossover with highways and place-based workstreams, reflecting the integrated nature of the council’s approach to regeneration.

Councillor Thorpe acknowledged the considerable challenges facing the delivery of regeneration projects, particularly in the current economic climate. He highlighted the impact of inflation on construction materials and labour, as well as the broader issue of high interest rates, which are affecting the viability of schemes. He referenced the Farmer Review, Modernise or Die, which critiques the inefficiencies of the construction industry and the urgent need for modernisation. Recruitment and succession planning were also noted as ongoing concerns, although the regeneration team continues to perform strongly under pressure.

The Committee was updated on a number of housing growth projects, many of which have been supported by external grant funding. This has enabled the council to bring forward brownfield sites for development and support wider housing objectives. Among the sites discussed were Seedfield, which is now progressing; Pyramid Park and Humphrey House, where safeguarding and decontamination work is underway alongside a design competition; and the Wheatfield site, which is being developed in collaboration with Adult Care to support integrated housing delivery.

The Elton Reservoir site was described as particularly complex, involving significant infrastructure requirements and legal work. Councillor Thorpe noted that while the site has potential, it remains contentious and is not yet at a stage where development can proceed. The Elms site is being explored for direct development without a delivery partner, which may improve viability. A number of smaller sites within the ALDP are also being progressed to maintain a steady pipeline of housing delivery.

The Committee was informed of close working between the regeneration and children’s services teams, particularly in relation to proposals for new children’s homes. Section 106 funding has also been allocated to support the acquisition of homes as part of the council’s wider housing strategy.

In Radcliffe, several key regeneration projects are progressing well. The Radcliffe Hub and Market Chambers have moved past initial sewer works, with piling now complete. The Bury Market Canopies project is significantly ahead of schedule and has been delivered without disruption to traders. Similarly, the Flexi Hall is progressing rapidly, with structural works well underway and the project currently nine weeks ahead of programme. The Millwood site, being developed in partnership with Bruntwood, is in the masterplanning phase.

Councillor Thorpe also provided an update on education infrastructure, including the delivery of new pupil referral units. One such unit is being developed on Whittaker Street in Radcliffe,  ...  view the full minutes text for item OSC.68

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

There was no urgent business.