Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor C Cummins and L Smith.

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.

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, 14^th April. Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time, if required.

Notice had been received of the following 2 questions:

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 11^th April.

The following question was submitted in advance of the meeting by Councillor Birchmore:

There have been several consultations carried out by the Council recently. When I have asked for numbers of attendees at a consultation, number of residents providing verbal feedback, number of residents completing online feedback etc, the council has not always been able to provide me with full details. Also, when I have asked for aims, objectives and analysis of the outcomes of these consultations, they have sometimes not been supplied or are not clearly defined. Does the Council have a clear policy with regards to structuring and performing consultations and if so, is this made available to employees, consultants engaged to carry out surveys and residents?

Responding, Councillor O’Brien reported that the Council follows Government guidance and legal principles when conducting all consultations. The approach to the consultation will vary depending on the nature of the consultation. We ensure that all consultations are carried out at the appropriate time are clear concise and have a purpose; Dependent on the subject matter we ensure the length of the consultation is for a proportionate time. Consultations are tailored dependent on the needs and preferences of different groups. All responses are fully considered at the end of the consultation period.

A further supplementary question was submitted:

Could the Council have an individual or a group to oversee consultations?

Councillor O’Brien committed to arranging a meeting that brought Councillors and the Communications team together to look at the Council’s approach to consultations.

Minutes from the meeting held on 05^th March 2025 are attached.

It was agreed:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 05^th March 2025 be approved as a correct record.

Report of Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth attached.

The Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented the report which set out the results of the consultation on the draft Supplementary Planning Document 18, Development Frameworks for Strategic Site Allocations at Elton Reservoir and Walshaw and sought approval for the final Supplementary Planning Document to be formally adopted.

Councillor M Smith sought assurances regarding staff capacity to deliver the large scale planning developments proposed over the coming years. The Leader and Paul Lakin, Executive Director of Place provided reassurance that the supplementary planning documents created will guide the quality of the developments and negate complexities that could otherwise arise. Some of the larger developments may also demonstrate a need for an expanded planning team.

Members also discussed the commitment for the agreement to financially support infrastructure for education or a financial contribution towards it.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.    Note the responses to the public consultation and the proposed post consultation revisions as set out in Appendix 3 to this report.

2.    Approved the revised SPD as the final version to be adopted and published.

3.    Delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place), to make any minor non-material editorial amendments to the SPD ahead of its final publication.    

Reason for the decision:

The adoption of the document will ensure that consistent guidance is in place to inform the scope and content of the comprehensive masterplans and phasing strategies that are required to be prepared for the strategic housing sites at Elton Reservoir and Walshaw that are allocated in the adopted Places for Everyone Joint Plan.

Other options considered and rejected:

To not adopt the SPD, this would prevent the use of consistent guidance to inform the scope and content of the comprehensive masterplans and phasing strategies for each site.

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth to follow.

Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented the report which outlined the feedback received during consultation on the draft Whitefield Town Centre Plan and seeks approval for adoption of the Whitefield Town Centre Plan to guide future investment and development within Whitefield town centre.

The Whitefield Town Centre Plan’s proposals are high-level and aim to improve the town centre area for communities, businesses, and the environment. Prior to implementation, all proposals will require further work to agree details and will be subject to further engagement with relevant stakeholders. Funding will also be required for implementation.

Councillor Bernstein states that the plan is well laid out with clear timescales. It was requested that officers include Whitefield Councillors regarding plans and discussions regarding the Whitefield Town Hall site.

Councillor Rafiq welcomed the Whitefield Plan.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1. Noted the key themes outlined in response to consultation on the draft document   
2. Accepted the post consultation amendments to the document   
3. Approved the revised Whitefield Town Centre Plan as the final version and adoption as the Council’s policy document for the future development of the town.  
4. Agreed to the principle of utilising a minimum of 10% of the gross capital receipt received for small-scale capital investments to support the Whitefield Town Plan and support community initiatives.  
5. Agreed the use of the Whitefield Town Centre Plan as a material consideration for the determination of planning applications 

Reason for the decision:

The Whitefield Town Centre Plan provides a vision to guide the future investment in the town centre.   

Other options considered and rejected:

No other options were considered   

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion attached.

Councillor Walmsley, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion presented the report which outlined the Bury Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy, procurement exercise to secure Safe Accommodation provision and extend the existing Domestic Abuse safe accommodation provision and core IDVA contracts.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1. Approved the Bury Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy.
2. Approved an open competitive procurement exercise to secure Safe Accommodation provision for the period of 1st November 2025 to 31st March 2028, with the option at the discretion of the Council to extend for a further year. 2.3 Approve an open competitive procurement exercise to secure core victim support (IDVA/ support workers) provision from 1st November 2025 to 31st March 2028, with the option at the discretion of the Council to extend for a further year.
3. Extend the existing Domestic Abuse safe accommodation provision and core IDVA contracts, utilising existing budgets, to cover the period November 2024 to end of October 2025 to maintain provision during approval of strategy and tender exercise set out in 2.2 and 2.3 at a value of £380k and £131K respectively.

Reason for the decision:

The strategy delivers on a statutory requirement within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to develop such an approach focusing on safe accommodation and the means by which to deliver on this.

The strategy outlines a proposed evolution of the approach to safe accommodation, reflecting input from those of lived experience and system partners, informing a revised set of commissioning intentions; whilst ensuring provision maintained whilst such procurement activity takes place.

Other options considered and rejected:

Enabling the provision of safe accommodation support is a requirement under the Duty, as is the development of a strategy to outline the approach to such accommodation. The strategy provides the means to inform the commissioning of provision that can best meet local needs and circumstances.

To not update develop such an approach would fail to capitalise on the journey made in recent years but more importantly miss the opportunity to further tailor and target the focus of such support provision.    

Report from Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attached.

Councillor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing provided an overview of the Q3 Adult Social Care Quarterly Performance Report.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

Note the report.

Reason for the decision:

N/A.

Other options considered and rejected:

N/A.

Report of Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attached.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing presented the report which requested approval for the Division to award a contract to a care provider for the Topping Mill Mental Health Supported Living Scheme.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.      Award Rethink Mental Illness a 3-year contract for the mental health supported living tender for the Topping Mill scheme.

2.      Enter a 3-year arrangement (July 2025 to Jun 2028), with an option to extend for +1 year and +1 year, subject to performance and review.

3.      Delegate finalisation and sealing of this contract, including any clarification, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director for Health and Care.

Reason for the decision:

The Bury Housing with Additional Needs Strategy and Market Position Statement analysed the existing provision of mental health supported accommodation services and predicted the growth needed to meet future demands. The Market Position Statement indicates that an extra 86 units of mental health supported accommodation is needed by 2025.

Our commissioning intentions are to increase the provision of self-contained supported accommodation and reduce the number of units offering shared supported accommodation. The proposed scheme at Topping Mill offers ‘own front door’ apartments.

The proposed model for Topping Mill will offer medium term support for up to 5 years, supporting people to develop person-centred recovery towards greater independent living. The scheme will improve wider system flow creating accommodation and support options for people who are clinically ready for discharge from hospital, the scheme will offer 24/7 supported living and will fill a deficit in local provision.

A competitive procurement process has been completed to identify the most suitable care provider for this new scheme.

Other options considered and rejected:

The Public Procurement Contracts Regulations 2015 do not allow for light touch or direct award in this case.

Report of Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attached.

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing presented the report which outlined that Bury Council commissions Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH), an NHS provider, to deliver substance use treatment services. Following an exploration of various retender options and productive discussions with neighbouring Local Authorities, including Salford and Trafford Councils, plans are progressing to collaborate and form a cluster to jointly tender for future substance use treatment services under a new long-term contract lasting five years, with the option of a two-year extension. This tender aims to collaboratively commission a partnership model for delivering substance use treatment and recovery services, building on the successes of the current partnership model.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.      Agreed for Bury Council to partner with fellow Local Authorities (Salford and Trafford Councils) to deliver joint tender of substance use treatment and recovery services from 1 April 2026 on a long term 5 + 2 year contract.

2.      Agreed for Bury Council to join the open procurement with Salford and Trafford Councils and commission new substance use and recovery services with Salford Council as the lead LA.

Reason for the decision:

Bury Public Health team has considered how best to utilise limited resources, identifying a joint tender with neighbour LAs (Salford and Trafford Councils) as the most viable option. Given that several GM councils are in a similar position and all needing to recommission their services, this approach will ensure that future substance use services provide the best value for money and maintain high quality standards.

It will also optimise the substance use workforce in GM, reduce management overhead costs, and leverage economies of scale by pooling resources by commissioning as a tri-borough cluster.

Joint procurement offers the advantage of benefitting from previous wider market testing, which has already taken place with other GM LAs. Bury Council will also benefit from shared procurement, legal, and commissioning capacity, reducing the financial burden associated with tendering for a new service.

Pooling resources makes this procurement opportunity more appealing to prospective providers, as successful bidders will gain a substantial share of GM areas if successful at the tender.

A joint retender for the substance use contract reduces duplication and administrative overheads, enhancing financial sustainability and delivering better value for money for our residents in Bury and GM.

Coordinated services across the three GM LAs ensure seamless support for service users, minimising disruptions in care and eliminating a postcode lottery with disparities in service provision across GM.

Cluster commissioning enables the development of innovative service models and provides greater adaptability in responding to emerging substance use trends locally.

Would align with current / planned projects and external funding streams, such as OHID grants which we currently deliver with Salford and Trafford Council’s.

Maintains the partnership between partnership authorities (Salford and Trafford) who will also be ending their contract with GMMH on 31/03/2026.This currently allows for economies of scale of work, shared back-office functions and a peer support approach across all organisations involved.

Cluster commissioning model is successfully used for Bury’s Sexual Health  ...  view the full minutes text for item CA.353

Report of Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attached.

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing presented the report which sought approval for the Community Commission division to award the contract for the Adult Carers Service. The contract is for the period 1st June 2025 to 31st May 2029 with an extension option at the discretion of the Council for a further 12-month period, subject to performance and review. The contract value will be £200,000 per annum with contractual arrangements for a 4-year period.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.      Approve the award of the adult carers service contract to N-compass – towards a brighter future for the period 1st June 2025 to 31st May 2029 with an extension option of a further 12-months, subject to performance and review.

2.      The contract value will be £200,000 per annum with contractual arrangements for a 4-year period. There will be an option to extend the contract for an additional 12-months subject to performance and review.

3.      Delegate finalisation and sealing of the contract, including any clarifications, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director for Health and Care.

Reason for the decision:

To reflect the new commitments in the Strategy there is a need to refresh the current service specification delivered by the commissioned provider. Current contractual arrangements end on the 31st May 2025, therefore there is a need legally to procure for a new service.

The Local Authority has a duty to provide care and support to those individuals assessed as needing this pursuant to assessments under Part 1 Care Act 2014. This includes under s 10 a duty to assess carers who may have needs for care and support and under s 20 a duty or power in general terms to provide any assessed eligible care and support needs for carers

Other options considered and rejected:

Alternative options are not applicable due to Procurement rules not allowing for any further extensions to previous contractual arrangements.

Report of Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attached.

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing presented the report which outlined the Adult Social Care Sensory Impairment Strategy 2025 – 2029.

Councillor Bernstein reminded members of Cabinet of the Council motion regarding Blind and Visually Impaired People in Bury and asked that any review of the Adult Social Care Sensory Impairment Strategy is aligned with the Council Motion and Feasibility Study.

Councillor Morris welcomed the strategy but wished to note that on future review the Strategy should consider the environment and places and the impact on Blind and Visually Impaired people.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.    Cabinet is asked to note the Adult Social Care Sensory Strategy for Adults and increase the profile of the Strategy in relevant forums.

Reason for the decision:

The Strategy signals Adult Social Care, together with our partners, intent to focus on improved outcomes and support for people in Bury with sensory impairments. 

Other options considered and rejected:

None.

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

Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills presented the report which outlined the all-age work and skills Strategy for Bury Council.

The All-Age Work and Skills Strategy sets out our intentions to create an integrated work, health and skills delivery system across the borough.  Its intention is to support lifelong learning and aspiration across all ages from the education system (secondary and FE) to our working age residents.

The Strategy is purposely focused on the emerging opportunities of Northern Gateway with ambitions to ensure our young people are aware of emerging sectors when they make key decisions in their education journey. 

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.      Noted the progress made with the All-Age Work and Skills Strategy.

2.      Approved the adoption of the strategy subject to any final amendments, design and formatting.

3.      Approved the launch of the Strategy at the Bury Means Business ‘Business Networking Event’ on the 18th June 2025. The Networking event will be a platform for business from Bury and beyond to showcase their products and services and make connections.

Reason for the decision:

To enable the All-Age Work and Skills Strategy to move to the final phase, sign off content and format, complete the supporting delivery action plans, produce a formatted, publishable version and prepare for launch.

Other options considered and rejected:

No other options were considered/were applicable.

Report of Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations attached.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations presented the report which sought formal approval to proceed with the Integrated Transport Block (ITB) Minor Works Road Safety programme of works for financial year 2025/26. These schemes support Bury’s Road Safety strategy and Transport for Greater Manchester’s Vision Zero strategy of improving road safety and reducing road danger on the roads of Bury. The total funding allocation for the proposed schemes is £543,000 from ITB funding provided by Transport for Greater Manchester.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.     approved the proposed ITB programme of works for 2025-26.

Reason for the decision:

To meet the commitments to spend ITB monies on behalf of TfGM. 8. Delays to the progression of the schemes may risk funding withdrawal by TfGM and impact the council’s reputation with TfGM and the Department for Transport (DfT).

Other options considered and rejected:

• Selection of other safety schemes lower down the priority list. 
• Costs. ITB is provided for the introduction of more moderate sized road safety schemes which it is hoped will provide good returns in improving road safety and reducing road danger reduction. The funding is not to be used on one large project.
• Not proceeding with the schemes could result in funding withdrawal by TfGM.

Report of Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations attached.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations presented the report which outlined the proposed spending priorities for the remaining years of the Highway Maintenance element of the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) funds, including structures, to take account of changing need for spend on structures. An updated scheme list for the structure's element will be presented within the Appendix of the report.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.      Approved the updated programme of structures schemes.

2.      Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations to approve any changes in the ranking required by fluctuations in construction prices and network deterioration that are recommended by officers be extended to include structures to allow flexibility for shifting priorities.

Reason for the decision:

The Council as the Highway Authority in Bury has a statutory duty to maintain those parts of the public highway, including structures deemed to be publicly maintainable.

The condition of the Council’s highway and bridges stock is assessed annually, leading to changing priorities year on year, which needs to be reflected in the on-going programme as some parts of the network and associated structures deteriorate more quickly than others

Other options considered and rejected:

To continue with the previously approved programme, which would not fund some vital structures works and lead to unacceptable health and safety risks.

Report of Cabinet Member for Children and Young People attached.

In the absence of the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented the report which outlined to Cabinet the latest position and details of the Northwest Construction Hub (NWCH) provisional milestone dates. Indicative budget costs were approved at the February 2025 Cabinet meeting. The report sought approval to proceed to the Pre-Construction Services Agreement stage (PCSA) for the construction of the new wing extension; roofing remedial and other outstanding defects scheme.

The potential value of the full contract enables the Council to utilise for procurement purposes the NWCH High Value Construction Framework Lot 1 (£8m to £25m) pre-qualified panel of Contractors.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.     Approved entering into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement stage (PCSA) with the Kier construction the contractor selected

2.     Delegated finalisation of the terms of the Agreement to the Director of Law and Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director for Children and Young People.

Reason for the decision:

Approval to proceed to PCSA stage is required for the Millwood scheme to progress. This enables the detail of the project to be developed, enabling greater confidence in the capital cost and programme for delivery. The previous scheme was developed to RIBA Stage 4 but unfortunately the contractors ISG went into Administration in September 2024. Allowing a new contractor time to develop the RIBA Stage 4 is required by the Northwest Construction Hub (NWCH) two stage process. This allows for design responsibility handover and Client Engagement Meetings to take place with the selected Contractor Partner prior to the bid being submitted.

Cabinet approval to proceed to the PCSA stage is needed at the April 2025 Cabinet meeting to ensure a quicker start on site to achieve the tight deadlines for the 4^th wing extension and completion of the roofing remedial/outstanding defects work.

Development of additional capacity at Millwood Primary Special School, as set out in the Project Safety Valve agreement between the Council and the Department for Education, is a key element of the specialist place sufficiency strategy. Taken together, the Agreement and strategy set out the business case for the development of new provision and expansion of existing specialist provision to meet increasing demand within Bury and reduce the reliance on placements in Independent Non-Maintained Special Schools (INMSS). The extension scheme at Millwood Primary Special School is a priority within this strategy.

Urgent completion of the roofing remedial works/other outstanding defects is required. This has already been delayed due to the previous contractors going into Administration.

At the end of the next stage, RIBA 4, the bid will be returned and finalised figures will be available. They will then be reviewed internally and validated by independent quantity surveyors Poole Dick. That firm carried out a similar exercise in respect of the ISG bid last year. This will provide Cabinet with valuable additional assurance. Provided that the bid figures can be recommended a further report will then be submitted to Cabinet in July 2025 seeking approval to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CA.359

To consider the minutes of meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held on 07^th February 2025.

It was agreed:

That the minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting held on 07^th February 2025 be noted.

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 Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing attached.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing presented the Part B report which set out the full financial details requesting approval for the Division to award a contract to a care provider for the Topping Mill Mental Health Supported Living Scheme.

Decision:

The Cabinet:

1.      Award Rethink Mental Illness a 3-year contract for the mental health supported living tender for the Topping Mill scheme.

2.      Enter a 3-year arrangement (July 2025 to Jun 2028), with an option to extend for +1 year and +1 year, subject to performance and review.

3.      Delegate finalisation and sealing of this contract, including any clarification, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director for Health and Care.

Reason for the decision:

As set out for Part A.

Other options considered and rejected:

As set out for Part A.