Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ball, Goodwin and Harkness.

RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24^th May 2023, be approved as a correct record.

Councillor Sykes declared a other registrable interest in agenda item 8c (Questions on Cabinet Minutes) insofar as it related to Oldham Community Leisure (minutes 14, 15, 21 and 22 of the Cabinet meeting held 20^th March 2023 refers).

Councillor Hobin declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 12 (The Bee Network – Improving Greater Manchester’s Transport Governance), as he was an employee of a local public transport company.

Councillor Davis declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Motion1 – Request for Land to build a Muslim Cemetery), as he was an employee of Co-op Funeral Care.

Councillor Dean declared a other registrable interest in agenda item 8c (Questions on Cabinet Minutes) insofar as it related to Oldham Community Leisure (minutes 14, 15, 21 and 22 of the Cabinet meeting held 20^th March 2023 refers).

There were no matters of urgent business for this meeting of the Council to consider.

The Mayor asked Council to note and acknowledge the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service.

The Mayor asked Council to note and acknowledge Carers Week that had recently been held, in honour of the important role that Carers play in society.

The Mayor informed Council that a former Member Lynne Greenwood had sadly passed away. Lynne served as an Oldham Metropolitan Borough Councillor, for Chadderton North from 1991 - 1995. Council observed a minute’s silence in her memory.

There were no petitions for this meeting of the Council to consider.

(Time limit 20 minutes)

Disposable Vapes

This Council notes that the UK governments are planning steps to reduce vaping among under-18s.

These are likely to include tighter rules on how vaping products are marketed and promoted as well as higher taxes on disposable e-cigarettes. This is in recognition that while the use of cigarettes has reduced with young people, vaping use has doubled in over a year and young people are starting with e-cigarettes rather than using them to stop smoking. In May, the Prime Minister has also announced that the loophole allowing shops to give free vape samples to under 18’s is set to be closed.

Council recognises that over the past few years the Oldham Youth Council have made health a priority issue and have undertaken much work in this area to improve the health experiences of Oldham’s young people.  This includes:

·         Working with Council officers and Mental Health services including CAMHS, TOG Mind and Kooth.com to raise awareness of the issues facing children and young people especially after the pandemic.

·         2018 motion to Council asking that the Chief Executive writes to the minister of Health requesting that advertising around vaping be banned, e-cigarettes be in plain packaging and point of sale restrictions, like that for tobacco products, be applied.

·         2022 motion to Council asking that the Chief Executive writes to Government to extend the offer of the Holiday Activities and Food programme to all young people not just those on free school meals.

Council notes:

·         That according to a YouGov survey for Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) there has been a rise in 11 to 17-year-olds experimenting with vaping - from 7.7% in 2022 up to 11.6% in 2023. 

·         A 2023 trading standards survey of 14 to 17-year-olds in Oldham, 15% had vaped and 12% used them regularly, twice as high as the previous survey in 2020.

·         The same 2023 survey showed that, of those that had regularly vaping, 52% of respondents had used vapes but not cigarettes and Almost 1 in 3 young people in Oldham claim to have first tried vaping aged 12 or less.

·         When asked 66% of young people said they used disposable (non-rechargeable and non-refillable) e-cigarettes.

·         Scottish Government is considering a complete ban on disposable vapes.

·         That hospitalisation of young people, due to vaping, has quadrupled in 2 years.

·         That young people are using disposable vapes incorrectly, dropping oil into the top of the device causing ‘overdose’ or nicotine that cause hospitalisation.

·         The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have called for a complete ban on disposable e-cigarettes.  They warn that e-cigarettes are not risk free as may damage young people's lungs and can be as addictive as cigarettes.

·         That use of unregulated vapes and oils are being used by Oldham’s young people.  As unregulated these products can have higher than advised levels of nicotine and/or illicit substances such as THC.

Council recognises:

The Children’s Act 1989, section 17, states that it shall be the general duty of every local  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

The Youth Council PROPOSED the following MOTION:

Disposable Vapes

This Council notes that the UK governments are planning steps to reduce vaping among under-18s.

These are likely to include tighter rules on how vaping products are marketed and promoted as well as higher taxes on disposable e-cigarettes. This is in recognition that while the use of cigarettes has reduced with young people, vaping use has doubled in over a year and young people are starting with e-cigarettes rather than using them to stop smoking. In May, the Prime Minister has also announced that the loophole allowing shops to give free vape samples to under 18’s is set to be closed.

Council recognises that over the past few years the Oldham Youth Council have made health a priority issue and have undertaken much work in this area to improve the health experiences of Oldham’s young people.  This includes:

·         Working with Council officers and Mental Health services including CAMHS, TOG Mind and Kooth.com to raise awareness of the issues facing children and young people especially after the pandemic.

·         2018 motion to Council asking that the Chief Executive writes to the minister of Health requesting that advertising around vaping be banned, e-cigarettes be in plain packaging and point of sale restrictions, like that for tobacco products, be applied.

·         2022 motion to Council asking that the Chief Executive writes to Government to extend the offer of the Holiday Activities and Food programme to all young people not just those on free school meals.

Council notes:

·         That according to a YouGov survey for Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) there has been a rise in 11 to 17-year-olds experimenting with vaping - from 7.7% in 2022 up to 11.6% in 2023. 

·         A 2023 trading standards survey of 14 to 17-year-olds in Oldham, 15% had vaped and 12% used them regularly, twice as high as the previous survey in 2020.

·         The same 2023 survey showed that, of those that had regularly vaping, 52% of respondents had used vapes but not cigarettes and Almost 1 in 3 young people in Oldham claim to have first tried vaping aged 12 or less.

·         When asked 66% of young people said they used disposable (non-rechargeable and non-refillable) e-cigarettes.

·         Scottish Government is considering a complete ban on disposable vapes.

·         That hospitalisation of young people, due to vaping, has quadrupled in 2 years.

·         That young people are using disposable vapes incorrectly, dropping oil into the top of the device causing ‘overdose’ or nicotine that cause hospitalisation.

·         The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have called for a complete ban on disposable e-cigarettes.  They warn that e-cigarettes are not risk free as may damage young people's lungs and can be as addictive as cigarettes.

·         That use of unregulated vapes and oils are being used by Oldham’s young people.  As unregulated these products can have higher than advised levels of nicotine and/or illicit substances such as THC.

Council recognises:

The Children’s Act 1989, section 17, states that it shall be the general duty  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

(time limit 30 Minutes)

1.    Question submitted by Syed Maruf Ali

Eating a healthy, nutritious meal supports pupils with their learning and has been shown to improve behaviour and academic achievements.

Oldham Council must act now to introduce universal free school meals for all primary and secondary school children regardless of their parent incomes. This would help build a better Oldham for everyone, saving families hundreds of pounds a year, ensuring all primary and secondary pupils are eating a healthy, nutritious meal at school.

All children should have an equal chance to thrive and be healthy, no matter where they live or how much their parents earn. By making school meals free for all children the Oldham Council can deliver on its levelling up promise and help children achieve their true potential – especially children living in the most deprived parts of Oldham. 

Ensuring children receive a hot, nutritious meal at lunchtime will be a lifeline for many Oldhamers facing extreme cost-of-living pressures – many of whom are having to spend less on both cooking and eating at home to make ends meet. 

Oldham Council should immediately prioritise the introduction of free school meals for the thousands of children who are living in poverty, but who don’t currently qualify, as a first step towards rolling out free school meals to all children in primary and secondary schools in September.

I hope the Cllrs in this chamber will support this recommendation and discuss this further in their next individual political party meeting and cabinet meetings, so that every child in primary and Secondary School receives free school meal?” 

Councillor Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills replied, thank you for your question. The Council provide free school meals to all pupils who are eligible via the means tested criteria, in addition we receive funding for universal infant free school meals (Years 1 and 2).  We work proactively to encourage all those eligible to apply for free school meals and are keen to reach as many families as possible who may be eligible.  The provision of school food is an opportunity to ensure that children and young people have healthy nutritious food.  To ensure this, food served in all maintained schools and academies in England must meet school food standards.  These standards help schools to provide children with healthy, balanced diets.   

 In addition, we also have the following initiatives to support families who maybe struggling financially:  

·         The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme  

·         Poverty Proofing the School Day Audits  

·         Breakfast Clubs 

More information on these are available on our website.

2.    Question from Karl Bardsley

Frontline Police officers are there to keep our communities safe. They are comprised of our neighbours, friends and relatives. They face the daily dangers of patrolling our streets to keep us safe. Sadly, some Police officers do not make it home and are killed in the line of duty.

It is why many were shocked to read in the Mail on Sunday that Oldham politicians, Leader and Deputy Leader  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Councillor Sheldon, Leader of the Conservative Group

Question 1: Oldham Elections

Councillor Sheldon referred to the election performance of the Oldham Labour Party whereby they had lost a total of 14 seats in the last three municipal elections, asking if he felt this trend would continue?

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, expressed her confidence that Labour would retain its current seats and make gains in forthcoming municipal elections.

Question 2: Carjackings

Councillor Sheldon referred to a spate of carjackings that had been occurring across the Borough of Oldham in recent weeks and months. There were instances of men, armed with weapons, threatening motorists until they surrendered their vehicles. Councillor Sheldon referred to such carjacking incidents that had taken in Saddleworth, Failsworth and Shaw, including one particular incident where a female motorist was threatened by men, one armed with a machete, near a local beauty spot in Diggle. He asked what local councillors could do to combat this growing and dangerous threat?

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, replied sharing Councillor Sheldon’s concerns at such blatant criminal activity. Councillor Shah suggested that the Leaders of the Council’s political groups could jointly meet with the Council’s Community Safety team and with Greater Manchester Police to look at ways of combatting this growing problem. Councillor Shah also suggested that the Council could engage in a public campaign to raise public awareness.

Councillor Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

This Council currently has a host of vacancies to fill at the senior and management level.Over the last few years there has been an alarming level of turnover in the senior positions.There has also been several key people leave or in the process of leaving as they approach retirement. 
This puts Oldham Council and Oldham in a precarious position.  This crisis of senior leadership retention is bad for continuity at the top… it also effects the delivery of frontline services and the performance of staff at every level, and across every department.It also creates a disconnect or no connect, between senior officers and elected members of this Council.  

At the induction event held for new members after the local elections, none of the senior executive team were present as promised.  Not one. And no alternative has been put in place or even suggested to my knowledge. 

The relationship starts off on the wrong foot… and then it gets worse.  Because the turnover in the top jobs creates unstable working practices. There are meetings which change times and dates with no rhyme or reason given.  Staff do not know who their line mangers are and are not being developed, supported, and managed as they should be.

We talk about staff being our biggest asset the reality is very, very different.

This is a cultural problem that we must get to grips with, it is residents who suffer from a Council which is constantly at odds with itself and fails to function to its best ability.

So, my question is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(time limit 15 minutes)

Cabinet meetings held:

a.    27^th February 2023

b.      20^th March 2023

The Council was requested to note the minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 27^th February 2023 and 20^th March 2023. The Council was asked to receive questions on these minutes, from members of the Council who are not members of the Cabinet and to receive appropriate responses from Cabinet members.

Members asked the following questions: -

a.    Question from Councillor Gloster

The Council have stated that Northern Roots is being funded by outside funding and grants, and not by the council. 
However, this means that significant bids have been made to fund Northern Roots that could have funded alternative projects across Oldham borough. 
How many grant applications for capital funding have been made related to Northern Roots over the last five years?  Given that very few capital funding applications have been put in for projects in other wards, such as Shaw and Crompton over the same period of time, does this mean that most wards have missed out on capital bids that could have been made if the Council were not focusing their attention on grant funding for this major project in Alexandra and Medlock Vale?

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet member for Finance and Corporate Resources,  replied, thank you for your follow up questions regarding Northern Roots’ funding.

Firstly, the capital funding for this project is from two funding bids that have been made over the last 5 years - the Towns Fund and the Levelling Up Fund, Round 2.  These two successful grant awards were both from central government in alignment with the very strict eligibility criteria, and both grants were to support a package of projects not solely Northern Roots. 

Grant funding applications are extremely limited now, many of the old grant awards have gone and simply don’t exist anymore.  The latest opportunities have been extremely competitive geographically and thematically, pitching education and skills, against heritage and arts, against transport and accessibility etc. 

During the Big Conversation a few years ago, significant community consultation, awareness and insight was collated to help shape and inform potential projects / priorities in readiness for when grant funding applications became available. This included feedback from members, keys stakeholders, businesses, and local communities in various different forums, methods and opportunities. The Oldham Big Town Centre Conversation engaged thousands of local residents, businesses and visitors.

We have already committed to supporting the development of District Growth Plans, and therefore this major engagement and consultation process will run once again to understand the issues and opportunities in all are local areas, in readiness for whatever new grant opportunities come along for further projects in Oldham.

b.    Question from Councillor Al-Hamdani

With regards to the decision on the new theatre for Oldham, I warmly welcome the Council's decision to ensure a new theatre building for the town, and the decision to make Oldham Coliseum the anchor tenant.

The Arts Council has previously indicated that they are not supportive of producing theatres – one that creates its own shows such as the Oldham Coliseum.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(Time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Oldham Assurance Review Final Stage

MOVED by Councillor Shah and SECONDED by Councillor Mushtaq

This Council notes a year on from the publication of the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, and the subsequent publication of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, both finding institutional failings and that much more is needed to instil confidence in victims and survivors that adequate support and justice will be secured when complaints are made to officials.

This Council notes that the findings in the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham found a clear political commitment and a sustained attempt to develop best practice in addressing the threat of child sexual exploitation.

This Council believes that this commitment was shared by many dedicated frontline workers working hard to protect vulnerable young people. It was clear however that there were unacceptable systemic failures to provide support and justice to victims and survivors, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out.

This Council notes the response from the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the promise to review cases as part of Operation Sherwood.

This Council believes that the findings of the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse further demonstrated a failure to provide support and justice to victims and survivors across the country, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out. Moreover, the inquiry identified that significant reform was needed and made 20 recommendations for change.

This Council notes the response from government to the findings of the report, and to the recommendations for reform proposed by the investigation panel.

This Council believes that public confidence is essential in combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, and that public awareness and transparency on the characteristics of abuse and how it presents in various forms, are important to the public identifying indicators and patterns of potential abuse when it takes place, and in reporting it for investigation.

This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request:

1.  that they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.

2.  that following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will support the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies.

This Council further resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the borough Members of Parliament to request:

1.    That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Motion 1 – Oldham Assurance Review – Final Stage

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Mushtaq SECONDED the following Motion:

This Council notes a year on from the publication of the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, and the subsequent publication of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, both finding institutional failings and that much more is needed to instil confidence in victims and survivors that adequate support and justice will be secured when complaints are made to officials.

This Council notes that the findings in the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham found a clear political commitment and a sustained attempt to develop best practice in addressing the threat of child sexual exploitation.

This Council believes that this commitment was shared by many dedicated frontline workers working hard to protect vulnerable young people. It was clear however that there were unacceptable systemic failures to provide support and justice to victims and survivors, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out.

This Council notes the response from the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the promise to review cases as part of Operation Sherwood.

This Council believes that the findings of the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse further demonstrated a failure to provide support and justice to victims and survivors across the country, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out. Moreover, the inquiry identified that significant reform was needed and made 20 recommendations for change.

This Council notes the response from government to the findings of the report, and to the recommendations for reform proposed by the investigation panel.

This Council believes that public confidence is essential in combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, and that public awareness and transparency on the characteristics of abuse and how it presents in various forms, are important to the public identifying indicators and patterns of potential abuse when it takes place, and in reporting it for investigation.

This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request:

1.  that they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.

2.  that following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will support the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies.

This Council further resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the borough Members of Parliament to request:

1.    That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(Time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Request for Land to build a Muslim Cemetery

Councillor Ghafoor to MOVE and Councillor Byrne to SECOND:

This council notes that:

Oldham is a multi-faith, diverse borough and that is something we can all be proud of.

The Muslim population in this borough has grown significantly in the last decade, both in terms of the raw number of people and as a percentage of the total population of Oldham, from 17.7% in 2011 to 24.4% in 2021.

There are 7 cemeteries across Oldham, but regarding cemeteries with existing separate burial sections for Muslims, there is only one, Chadderton. Other faiths have their own cemeteries with the borough, for example the Jewish Cemetery in Failsworth, whereas Muslims only have a section of a cemetery.

Within Islamic teaching, cremation is forbidden. For Muslims, that only leaves burial as an available funeral ceremony option. As our Muslim population in the borough increases, there will only be more need for space for burials as time goes on. Chadderton cemetery, as it is currently, has around 5 years remaining before it reaches capacity, and so the need to start planning for the future is essential.

This is a national problem, with discussions in the national press about a capacity crisis both across all types of cemetery and also specifically within Muslim cemeteries, a problem that was in the pipeline prior to, but exacerbated by, the Covid-19 pandemic. Any crisis in cemetery capacity will have an oversized impact on the Muslim community because, as seen above, burials are the only option for Muslims.

Given the looming capacity crisis and the rise in the Muslim population in Oldham, the need for an expansion of graveyard provision for Muslims across Oldham is clear.

What this motion proposes is the creation of a separate Muslim cemetery within the borough to help minimise the risk of a capacity crisis at Chadderton cemetery.

This motion proposes that a piece of council-owned land be identified by the Chief Executive and donated to the community, who will then be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the site, funding it through donations and burial fees, meaning that there will no expense to the council, other than the initial donation of the land.

The Council would also benefit as a new cemetery would ease capacity pressures on the existing cemeteries in the borough, reducing the need for imminent expansion at the sites. This motion could also act as a model for other faiths to make similar requests to the council regarding cemetery space, further easing pressure on the council’s cemeteries system.

This is a system that has worked elsewhere. The Gardens of Peace, which operates in London, has a similar model across its sites, costing taxpayers nothing whilst delivering for the community. Similar, privately run cemeteries have also been successful in other parts of the country, for example Keighley and Glasgow, as well as the Woodland Cemetery in Manchester. Indeed, the Jewish cemetery in Failsworth has this model  ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

MOTION 1 - Request for Land to build a Muslim Cemetery

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Byrne SECONDED the following Motion:

This council notes that:

Oldham is a multi-faith, diverse borough and that is something we can all be proud of. The Muslim population in this borough has grown significantly in the last decade, both in terms of the raw number of people and as a percentage of the total population of Oldham, from 17.7% in 2011 to 24.4% in 2021.

There are 7 cemeteries across Oldham, but regarding cemeteries with existing separate burial sections for Muslims, there is only one, Chadderton. Other faiths have their own cemeteries with the borough, for example the Jewish Cemetery in Failsworth, whereas Muslims only have a section of a cemetery.

Within Islamic teaching, cremation is forbidden. For Muslims, that only leaves burial as an available funeral ceremony option. As our Muslim population in the borough increases, there will only be more need for space for burials as time goes on. Chadderton cemetery, as it is currently, has around 5 years remaining before it reaches capacity, and so the need to start planning for the future is essential.

This is a national problem, with discussions in the national press about a capacity crisis both across all types of cemetery and also specifically within Muslim cemeteries, a problem that was in the pipeline prior to, but exacerbated by, the Covid-19 pandemic. Any crisis in cemetery capacity will have an oversized impact on the Muslim community because, as seen above, burials are the only option for Muslims.

Given the looming capacity crisis and the rise in the Muslim population in Oldham, the need for an expansion of graveyard provision for Muslims across Oldham is clear.

What this motion proposes is the creation of a separate Muslim cemetery within the borough to help minimise the risk of a capacity crisis at Chadderton cemetery.

This motion proposes that a piece of council-owned land be identified by the Chief Executive and donated to the community, who will then be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the site, funding it through donations and burial fees, meaning that there will no expense to the council, other than the initial donation of the land.

The Council would also benefit as a new cemetery would ease capacity pressures on the existing cemeteries in the borough, reducing the need for imminent expansion at the sites. This motion could also act as a model for other faiths to make similar requests to the council regarding cemetery space, further easing pressure on the council’s cemeteries system.

This is a system that has worked elsewhere. The Gardens of Peace, which operates in London, has a similar model across its sites, costing taxpayers nothing whilst delivering for the community. Similar, privately run cemeteries have also been successful in other parts of the country, for example Keighley and Glasgow, as well as the Woodland Cemetery in Manchester. Indeed, the Jewish cemetery in Failsworth has this model and has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Council is asked to consider updates on actions from previous meetings.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sheldon SECONDED a report which presented Members with details of the actions officers have taken on Motions that were approved at the 15^th March 2023 Council meeting and informed on the response position regarding outstanding matters from the 2022/23 Municipal Year.

Council was advised that at the Annual meeting on 24^th May2023, in respect of the appointment to outside bodies in 2023/24 (minute 13 refers), it was resolved that any outstanding appointments be delegated to the Chief Executive to determine, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Leaders of the two main Opposition Groups and that the non-administration appointments to Positive Steps, Miocare and Oldham Community Leisure be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Leaders of the two main opposition groups.

Council is asked to note the following appointments:

a.    Positive Steps – Councillors Mushtaq, Ali, Nasheen and Byrne

b.    Miocare – Councillors S. Bashforth, Brownridge, Ibrahim and Arnott

c.    Oldham Community Leisure – Councillors Taylor and Sykes

d.    Unity Partnership Board – Councillors Fida Hussain, Jabbar and Arnott

e.    Joint Scrutiny Panel for Pennine Care (Mental Health) Trust – Councillors McLaren, Moores and Adams

Resolved:

1.    That Council notes the actions taken and notes the correspondence has been received regarding some Motions agreed at previous Council meetings.

2.    That Council notes the following appointments:

a.    Positive Steps – Councillors Mushtaq, Ali, Nasheen and Byrne.

b.    Miocare – Councillors S. Bashforth, Brownridge, Ibrahim and Arnott.

c.    Oldham Community Leisure – Councillors Taylor and Sykes.

d.    Unity Partnership Board – Councillors Fida Hussain, Jabbar and Arnott.

e.    Joint Scrutiny Panel for Pennine Care (Mental Health) Trust – Councillors McLaren, Moores and Adams.

To consider the appointment of a new Joint Transport Committee for Greater Manchester – the Bee Network, that will enable a more coordinated and integrated approach to transport governance.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sheldon SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services which informed Council of proposed new governance arrangements, in respect of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), which were intended to enable a more coordinated and integrated approach to transport governance with agreement of executive members.

The creation of Greater Manchester’s (GM’s) integrated transport system, the Bee Network, would require a more coordinated and integrated approach to transport governance, that placed accountability to local people at its heart.

Local control of the GM transport network, and bus franchising, would change the type and number of decisions being made. GM therefore needed to change the make-up of its decision-making bodies to ensure GM’s new responsibilities were discharged in an effective and transparent way

The proposal from GM was the creation of a new, smaller, and more strategically focused ‘Bee Network Committee’ (BNC), which would lead transport decision-making at a regional level, taking greater ownership and responsibility for the GM integrated transport network. This was intended to provide a strengthened local engagement by increasing opportunities for local councillors and members of the public to contribute to and influence transport policy and services in their area.

The proposals were intended to allow for formal scrutiny of the Bee Network Committee being part of the work programme of the GMCA’s newly strengthened Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Although the new committee itself would have greater delegated powers, no additional constituent council functions were to be transferred or delegated to the GMCA.  

The GMCA would delegate additional functions that are already conferred on or delegated to it, to TfGM.  Such functions would be of a day-to-day operational nature, for example, local bus information, consultation procedures, transport and road safety studies.  This will require corresponding amendments to the GMCA constitution which will be included in the annual review of the constitution.  

Resolved:

1.    The Council agrees to the establishment of a new joint transport committee (The Bee Network Committee) of the GMCA, the Mayor, and the ten Greater Manchester Constituent Councils.

2.    The Council approves the appointment of Members to the Bee Network Committee as set out in Appendix 1, of the submitted report with Councillor Elaine Taylor appointed to the Bee Network Committee.

3.    The Council approves the Terms of Reference of the Bee Network Committee, as set out in Appendix 2 of the submitted report.

4.    The Council notes the delegations of the functions of the GMCA, as set out in the Terms of Reference of the Bee Network Committee and notes the delegations of Mayoral functions as set out in the Terms of Reference, as detailed at Appendix 2, of the submitted report.

5.    The Council agrees the delegation of the functions of the Local Authority Constituent Councils as set out in the Terms of Reference, attached as Appendix 2, of the submitted report (which for the avoidance of doubt were the same delegations given to the former Transport Committee)

6.    The Council approves the Rules of Procedure for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To appoint to committees of the Council in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and give consideration to committees not allocated strictly in accordance with proportionality under the Act.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sheldon SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services advising that notification had been received that three Independent Members of the Council wish, henceforth, to be known as the Independent Group, further to Regulation 8 (1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Section 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The three members were Councillors Ball, Hince and Hurley and Councillor Hince has been nominated as their Group Leader.

Considering this, the Council was asked to review the political composition of committees and to note the composition of the political groups as previously notified under Regulation 8 (1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Section 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Resolved:

1.    That the composition of the Council’s political groups, as shown at paragraph 1.1 of the report of the Director of Legal Services, be noted.

2.    That the number of seats on the various Committees for the 2023/24 Municipal Year, as detailed at paragraph 1.5 of the report of the Director of Legal Services, be approved.

3.    That Council confirms the allocation of seats to the political groups and makes appointments to fill the seats in accordance with Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as far as is practicable, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report, including those Committees that are not strictly politically balanced – Scrutiny Boards, Appeals Committee and Standards Sub-Committee.

4.    That any outstanding appointments to be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Leader of the main opposition group.

Council is asked to approve the Contract Procedure Rules and the Code of Conduct, including arrangements for dealing with complaints.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sheldon SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services which advised that the Council’s Constitution required to be updated regularly to ensure that it was and remained fit for purpose.

The report set out proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules and to its Code of Conduct.

Resolved:

That the Council approve the proposed amendments, detailed in the Director of Legal Services’ report in respect of:

a.    the Contract Procedure Rules (detailed at Appendix 1).

b.    the Code of Conduct and Arrangements (detailed at Appendix 2).

Council is asked to consider the arrangements for the recruitment and remuneration for the authority’s Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sheldon SCONDED a report of the Assistant Director Policy, Performance and Corporate Leadership, which reminded members that at the Annual Council meeting, held 24^th May 2023, the Leader Elect advised Council that she had received early notification from the Chief Executive that he was intending to retire at the end of December 2023.

Council was informed that since the Annual Council meeting, the Appointments Committee had met to consider the recruitment approach to be taken and the remuneration for the post. The Assistant Director’s report set out various recommendations, from the Appointments Committee, for Council’s consideration.

Resolved:

That Council:

1.    Authorises an external recruitment exercise to the post of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service.

2.    That, in accordance with the authority’s Pay Policy Statement, approves the remuneration for the post be £165 - 180k per annum.

3.    Notes that the post incorporates the responsibility for the roles of:

a.    Returning Officer for Local Elections and for the Combined Authority Mayoral Election.

b.    Returning Officer for any Parliamentary Elections, for which is subject to a separate payment as determined by central government and the role of Electoral Registration Officer.