Agenda and minutes

Council - Wednesday, 13th November, 2024 7.00 pm

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Venue: Bury Town Hall

Contact: Julie Gallagher  Democratic Services

Items
No. Item

C. 23

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members of the Council are requested to declare any interests which they have in any items or issues before the Council for determination.

Minutes:

Councillor Lancaster declared a pecuniary interest in Agenda Item Notices of Motion (i) due to her owning a restaurant in the Borough and left the meeting for the consideration of the item.

 

Councillor Walmsley declared a personal in interest in Notices of Motion (ii) in view of her partner being a Trustee at the Fusilier’s Museum.

 

Councillor Vernon declared a personal in interest in Notices of Motion (ii) as a former Veteran and Policy Officer.

 

Councillor Staples Jones declared a personal in interest in Notices of Motion (ii) as an Army Reservist.

 

Councillor Simpson declared a personal in interest in Notices of Motion (ii) as an Chair of the Royal British Legion.

 

Councillor Grimshaw declared a personal in interest in Combined Authority and Questions to the Combined Authority representatives as an her daughter works for GMCA.

 

 

 

C. 24

MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

To receive communications from the Mayor and any announcements by the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive on matters of interest to the Council.

Minutes:

The Mayor updated the Full Council meeting on duties undertaken as Bury’s first citizen, since the last Council meeting.

C. 25

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 509 KB

Minutes:

The Minutes be approved subject to a minor amendment to include Councillors Hook, Southworth and Rahimov as movers of the Labour Motion.  Updated version to be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

C. 26

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

To answer questions from members of the public, notice of which has been given, on any matter relevant to the Council or its services to the community. Up to 30 minutes will be set aside for this purpose. If time permits, further questions will be invited from members of the public present.

Minutes:

There were no questions submitted in advance of the Meeting.  Mr John Porter attended the meeting and submitted a question regarding restrictions on standing for election in the Borough.

C. 27

RECOMMENDATIONS OF CABINET AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 228 KB

Meeting

Item

Recommendation

 

Employment Panel 12th September

UPDATED EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT / TERMS OF REFERENCE

Approve and authorise the Council’s Monitoring Officer to make subsequent changes to the Council Constitution in relation to the Code of Conduct outlined below. (Appendix 1)

 

Approve the terms of reference of the Employment Panel and authorise the Council’s Monitoring Officer to make subsequent changes to the Council Constitution (Appendix 2).

 

Audit Committee 25th September

CONTRACT PROCEDURE RULES

That the Audit Committee recommends to Full Council, at its meeting on 13th November 2024, approval of the revised Contract Procedure Rules 2024.

 

Licensing and Safety Committee 3rd October 2024

GAMBLING POLICY - STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

 

It was agreed by the Licensing and Safety Committee that the proposed Statement of Principles, attached to the report at Appendix 1, be accepted without amendment.

 

The statement had been widely consulted and any necessary amendments, as detailed in section 4 of the report, had been made. To comply with the statute, a revised Statement of Principles must be agreed by Council on the 13th November 2024, for the proposed statement to be in place by the 31st January 2025. 

 

Cabinet

6th November

 

Review of the Council’s Delivery Model and Voluntary Exits Approvals

 

  • Recommended to Council that the Voluntary Early Retirement of the Group Engineer (Street Lighting & Operations) is approved.
  • Recommended to Council that the Voluntary Early Retirement of the Head of Homelessness & Housing Options is approved.
  • Thanked the Assistant Director (Operations), Joint Head of Communications, Engagement & Marketing, Group Engineer (Street Lighting & Operations) and Head of Homelessness & Housing respectively for their contribution to the Council and people of Bury over their time with the Authority.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(I) Employment Panel – UPDATED EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT / TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

It was moved by Councillor Rafiq and seconded by Councillor O’Brien and it was agreed that:

Council approves and authorise the Council’s Monitoring Officer to make subsequent changes to the Council Constitution in relation to the Code of Conduct outlined below. (Appendix 1) Approve the terms of reference of the Employment Panel and authorise the Council’s Monitoring Officer to make subsequent changes to the Council Constitution (Appendix 2).

(ii) Audit committee – CONTRACT PROCEDURE RULES

 

It was moved by Councillor Thorpe and seconded by Councillor Moss and it was agreed that

Council, approves the revised Contract Procedure Rules 2024.

(iii) Licensing and Safety Committee - GAMBLING POLICY - STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

 

It was moved by Councillor Morris and seconded by Councillor Rizvi and it was agreed

1)    that the proposed Statement of Principles, attached to the report at Appendix 1, be accepted without amendment. The statement had been widely consulted and any necessary amendments, as detailed in section 4 of the report, had been made.

2)    To comply with the statute, a revised Statement of Principles must be agreed by Council on the 13th November 2024, for the proposed statement to be in place by the 31st January 2025.

 

(iv) Cabinet - Review of the Council’s Delivery Model and Voluntary Exits Approvals

 

It was moved by Councillor Rafiq and seconded by Councillor O’Brien and it was agree

1)    that the Voluntary Early Retirement of the Group Engineer (Street Lighting & Operations) is approved.

2)    that the Voluntary Early Retirement of the Head of Homelessness & Housing Options is approved.

3)    Council thanks the Assistant Director (Operations), Joint Head of Communications, Engagement & Marketing, Group Engineer (Street Lighting & Operations) and Head of Homelessness & Housing respectively for their contribution to the Council and people of Bury over their time with the Authority.

 

C. 28

LEADER' STATEMENT AND CABINET QUESTION TIME pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council on the work of the Cabinet and to answer written questions from Members of the Council to the Leader, Cabinet Members and Chair of a Committee on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the Borough, provided the necessary written notice has been given. (30 minutes)

 

A member may ask a verbal question of the Leader, any Member of the Cabinet or Chair of a Committee about any matter on the Council agenda and which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the Borough.  Only one verbal question per Councillor. (20 minutes)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(a)         Written question (Notice given)

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor E O’Brien, made a statement on the work undertaken by him since the date of the last Council meeting.

               

The Leader and the relevant Cabinet Members answered questions raised by Councillors on the following issues:                              

 

 

Questioner

Cabinet Member

Topic

1

Cllr Hayes

Cllr Walmsley

Household Support Fund

2

Cllr E Moss

Cllr Thorpe

Fairer funding for Local Government

3

Cllr Lancaster

Leader

Nolan Principles

4

Cllr M Smith

Cllr L Smith

Star Academy

5

Cllr Farooq

Cllr Cummins

Housing Inspections

6

Cllr Staples Jones

Cllr Cummins

Rough Sleeping

7

Cllr Vernon

Cllr A Quinn

Green Waste

8

Cllr Birchmore

Cllr A Quinn

NO2 measurements

9

Cllr D Quinn

Cllr L Smith

Care Leavers

10

Cllr A Arif

Cllr A Quinn

Potholes

11

Cllr McBriar

Cllr L Smith

Private Schools

12

Cllr Grimshaw

Cllr Morris

Radcliffe Library

13

Cllr Ibrahim

Cllr Walmsley

Purple Flag

 

Due to the lack of time to answer questions 14 to 18 inclusive, the Leader gave an undertaking that copies of those questions and responses will be circulated to all Councillors. The Leader also gave an undertaking to make these available on the Council Web Site.  

 

              b)      Verbal Questions

 

Questioner

Cabinet Member

Topic

Cllr Bernstein

Cllr O’Brien

Places for Everyone

Cllr M Smith

Cllr L Smith

Re-opening of the Drill Hall

Cllr Farooq

Cllr Walmsley

Domestic Violence

Cllr Rahimov

Leader

M60 underpass

Cllr Staples Jones

Leader

Restrictions on use on fireworks

Cllr Lancaster

Leader

Number of places available at Star Academy

Cllr Rydeheard

Leader

Help for Pensioners

Cllr Birchmore

Leader

National insurance payment

 

 

C. 29

COMBINED AUTHORITY REPORT AND QUESTIONS TO THE COUNCIL'S COMBINED AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVES pdf icon PDF 349 KB

 

(A)          A combined authority update report is attached, for information.  The focus of this update is the Greater Manchester Health Scrutiny Committee.

(B)          The GM health scrutiny representative, Councillor FitzGerald will then be invited to present a verbal update on the work of the Authority (5 minutes).

(C)          Members will be allowed to ask verbal questions on the verbal update (5 minutes).

(D)          Questions (if any) on the work of the Combined Authority to be asked by Members of the Council for which the necessary notice has been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rules. (10 minutes)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council received a report on the work of the Combined Authorities and a verbal update from Cabinet Member, Councillor E FitzGerald on the work of the GM Health Scrutiny.

The following questions had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules:

 

Questioner

Combined Authority Member

Topic

Cllr E Moss

Cllr A Quinn

Second City Crossing

Cllr McBriar

Cllr A Quinn

Active Travel Scheme

Cllr S Arif

Cllr Walmsley

GMFRS response to bonfire night

Cllr Lancaster

Cllr Walmsley

Radcliffe Neighbourhood Police Team

 

C. 30

NOTICES OF MOTION

The following Notices of Motion have been received:-

 

(1)   Economic Growth and Excessive Interventions

 

This Council notes that;

  1. There are many exciting plans for regeneration within the Borough that could offer further opportunity to widen and strengthen the hospitality offering that businesses can provide. 
  2. A vibrant and successful hospitality sector provides many economic and social advantages. Through increasing the hospitality sector offering in the Borough that in itself contributes to economic growth which is to be welcomed and encouraged.
  3. As well as people physically going to the different hospitality settings there is now significant opportunity to use technology to order food to be eaten at home.

This Council further notes;

  1. That the Prime Minister has indicated although these proposals were not included in the Labour Party General Election manifesto the Government could ban smoking in external areas such as pub gardens and outside football stadiums.
  2. The mixed messaging coming from Government Ministers some of whom have suggested that legislation could be used to restrict freedom of choice with regards to alcohol and food ingredients.
  3. Restricting the choices of individuals by excessive Government intervention is likely to have a negative impact onthe hospitality industry and commercial property owners and reduce the potential of any economic growth.

This Council resolves to;

1.     Consult with the hospitality businesses and commercial property owners in Bury as to their views on the potential Government proposals outlined in this motion.

2.     As part of this consultation enquire if there is anything we can do as a Council to advocate on their behalf.

3.     Following receipt of the views of hospitality businesses and commercial property owners in Bury meet with the appropriate Business Group(s) to formulate an agreed action plan.

4.     Write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care with the outcome of the consultation with Bury hospitality businesses and commercial property owners.

       

In the names of COUNCILLORS S. Arif, Bernstein, Brown, Gartside, Harris, Hussain, Lancaster, McBriar, Rydeheard, Vernon.

 

(2) Support to Armed Forces

Motion, to provide accessible facilities and opportunities for improving the mental & physical wellbeing of our armed forces community which will also directly benefit Blue Light service veterans

The Council notes that the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty, is a legal obligation on public bodies to ‘have due regard’ to the principles of the Covenant and requires decisions about the development and delivery of services to be made with conscious consideration of the needs of the Armed Forces community. These include healthcare, education, and housing services.

“Due regard” means that organisations in scope of the Duty will need to consciously consider the unique obligations and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces; that it is desirable to remove disadvantages faced by the Armed Forces community; and that special provision may be justified in some circumstances.

Although the Covenant has no mandate over veterans of the Blue Light Services the measures proposed would also support that wider community and those groups who are often overlooked especially in terms of mental health.

This  ...  view the full agenda text for item C. 30

Minutes:

(i)      Economic Growth and Excessive Interventions

 

Council considered a motion received in the names of Councillors S. Arif, Bernstein, Brown, Gartside, Harris, Hussain, Lancaster, McBriar, Rydeheard, Vernon.

 

The Motion was moved by Councillor Bernstein and seconded by Councillor Rydeheard and on being put with the majority of members voting against the Motion, the Mayor declared the motion lost.

(ii)   Funding for drop in centres for Older residents

Council considered a motion in the names of Councillors Birchmore, Berry, Booth, Duncalfe, Marsden, M Smith, K Simpson and Cllr Mary Walsh. The motion was moved by Councillor Simpson and seconded by Councillor Marsden and on being put with all Members present including the Mayor voting in favour Council agreed to:

  • Direct Armed forces lead in healthcare, education, and housing services to promote better connectivity by working with veterans’ groups to better serve their unique needs. To find how we can best use our existing Council estate or find community venues with space to serve our veterans groups to enable development of support and access to space for their activities
  • Support veterans and support groups by providing mental health first aid and wellbeing training. Work with local agencies including adult education to promote these courses that benefit the mental wellbeing and care of veterans of the armed forces.  This training could also benefit former police, fire, ambulance and members of the NHS as well as the wider community who have experienced traumatic events in the course of their former roles.
  • Hold an annual veterans conference at the town hall attended by representatives from this council, council depts, NHS, Police, Fire & Ambulance services, veteran’s groups, charities & support groups and potential employers.
  • Hold an Annual Festival of Remembrance at the town hall bringing together for the first time all veterans groups, family and supporters from around the borough.
  • Address the lack of communication from the Drill Hall Trust as to when Bury’s historic Castle Armoury will be put back into use for the borough’s armed forces community. Direct the Drill Hall Trust and RFCA to provide a roadmap of when and how it will be brought back into a usable state. To commit to writing to the Secretary of State for Defence to seek his support in securing the future of this historic building. We would also seek an assurance from the Commanding Officer, Fifth Fusiliers, as to when the building is fit for their use and their return to their former home.
  • Name a part of the Radcliffe Hub after the town’s only VC recipient Pte James Hutchinson and other local heros. To explore options with the local community as to the best way of celebrating local heros within the current regeneration programme
  • Distribute promotional materials celebrating the borough’s two VC recipients in local schools

 

(iii)Exploration of Health Impact Assessments in Council Policy Development

Council considered a notice of motion received in the names of Councillors: A Arif,  Bayley, Boles, Cummins, Farooq, Fitzgerald, Frith, Gold, Green, Grimshaw, Haroon, Hayes, Hook, Ibrahim,  ...  view the full minutes text for item C. 30

C. 31

For information COUNCIL MOTION TRACKER pdf icon PDF 394 KB

A report setting out progress in respect of Motions passed at the last meeting of Council is attached for information.

Additional documents:

C. 32

SCRUTINY REVIEW REPORTS AND SPECIFIC ITEMS "CALLED IN" BY SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

None to report.

Minutes:

There were no scrutiny review or specific items called in by scrutiny committees.

C. 33

QUESTIONS ON THE WORK OF OUTSIDE BODIES OR PARTNERSHIPS

Questions on the work of Outside Bodies or partnerships on which the Council is represented to be asked by Members of the Council (if any).

Minutes:

There were no questions on the work of the outside bodies.