Agenda item

(time limit 20 minutes):-

a) 17^th October 2016

b) 21^st November 2016

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 17^th October 2016 and 21^st November 2016 were submitted.

Members raised the following questions:

1.               Councillor Blyth – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st November 2016, Item 8:  Revenue Monitor and Capital Investment Programme 2016/17 Quarter 2 – September 2016.  Councillor Blyth asked that now Marks and Spencer had pulled out of Prince’s Gate after assurances that it was on track, how were negotiations on the development and were any other stores filling the void?  Were there any abortive costs regarding preparatory work and land deals for the Council should the development not go ahead and if there were any compensation clauses in place?

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise advised the meeting that the answer provided at the last Council meeting regarding Marks and Spencer was correct at that point in time.  There was still active consultation that week with the contractors.  It was regrettable that Marks and Spencer had not chosen to build an M&S Store in Oldham, however, the Council would meet with M&S again on the prospect of a ‘Simply Food’ store.  The Council would do its level best as there were sites that could serve that purpose.  Other parties were still interested.  The whole point of Prince’s Gate was as a new development and the Council would do its best to attract quality development to that site.  There were no compensation clauses in the agreement.

2.       Councillor McCann – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st November 2016, Item 6 – Proposal to Expand Greenfield CP – Pre-Publication Consultation Responses.  Councillor McCann thanked the administration for the new school to replace a 100 year old and cramped building.  The school had been rated excellent.  Not only would Greenfield have a new school worthy of the teachers and pupils of the 21^st century, but also have a new sports field which was usable.  The consultation was 58 in favour and 26 against.  Councillor McCann asked if the target date of 2018 was still there and if contracting was still on target and still final decisions to be made?

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and HR, advised the meeting that he was delighted in the support and was committed to investment in every part of the borough.  Councillor Jabbar confirmed that the Council was committed to the scheme and it was hoped to be delivered by September 2018, however, this would depend on the consultation and planning was concluded.  This Administration was keen on delivering the Greenfield Primary School by that area due to the pressure in that area and was confident that the school would be delivered in the timeframe.

3.       Councillor Harkness – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st November 2016, Item 9:  Shared Information Management and Governance Centre of Excellence.  Councillor Harkness asked if there was a rough estimate of savings with this item.

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and HR, responded by advising Councillor Harkness that he was not able to provide an exact figure, but it was not large.  This was to bring services between Oldham and Rochdale together for the creation of a strong resilient team going forward in an important and complex area and addressed capacity.   Councillor Jabbar further responded that a detailed response would be provided to Councillor Harkness.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 17^th October 2016 and 21^st November 2016 be noted.

2.       The questions and responses on the Cabinet minutes be noted.