CABINET

28TH NOVEMBER 2002

Present:

Councillors P.R.C. Smith (Leader)(In the Chair), K. Cunliffe (Community Safety), Mrs. L. Liptrot (Environment), D.T. Molyneux (Regulation), J.A. O'Neill (Deputy Leader and Social Care), S. Parker (Housing and Community) and B.M. Wilson (Lifelong Learning).

Also present by invitation during the consideration of Minute 403:-

Councillors J. Ball (Chairman) and T.A. Butler (Vice-Chairman) (Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

401. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillors K. Anderson (Performance), J.B. Baldwin (Culture) and A. Stephenson (Regeneration).

402. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC - SECTION 100A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972: Resolved: That the public be excluded from the meeting during the items of business specified below as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information of the descriptions respectively specified:-

403. Strategic Partnering Arrangements for Interim Works to Council Dwellings (Minute 295 refers): The Director of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the recommendations of the Procurement Officer Working Party following an evaluation of tenders received for the provision of Internal Works (Refurbishment of kitchens and rewiring) on the Councilís housing stock.

Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were present during consideration of this item.

Resolved: (1) That, subject to funding becoming available, the following companies be appointed to carry out pilot schemes for internal works during the financial year 2002/03 as detailed in the approved Interim Stock Investment and Procurement Plan prepared by Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited:-

(a) Wates Construction Limited

(b) Mears Building Contractors Limited

(c) Bullock Construction Limited

(2) That, subject to satisfactory completion of the pilot schemes, the Council enter into a strategic partnering arrangement with the same three Companies for the delivery of the remaining programme of internal works over the financial years 2003/08 or for such period as funding remains available.

(3) That the Director of Legal Services be authorised to agree the terms of the partnering arrangement in consultation with Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited and to complete all necessary documentation.

(4) That the Officers be requested to explore with the Wigan Borough Partnership and the successful contractors a local employment strategy to be adopted by them when they undertake this work.

(Councillors T.A. Butler and S. Parker declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of their Membership of Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited).

404. Services to Older People: The Deputy Leader reminded the Cabinet that the National Standards Framework required Local Authorities to improve communication with and the provision of information to the elderly and that accordingly that he was arranging for the production of a leaflet that would draw together the range of services provided by the Departments of the Authority that were pertinent to that age range. Eventually, it was intended to amalgamate this with a similar product from the Primary Care Trust.

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

405. Wigan Stations Improvement Study: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the findings of a Study into the feasibility of combining Wiganís two railway stations into an Integrated Transport Hub. Representatives of Consultant Ove Arup and Partners (appointed jointly with GMPTE to undertake the study) gave a presentation. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 103 refers).

The Cabinet was of the opinion that the recommended scheme had shown the advantages of relocating the car park provision but voiced concern about the level of integration achieved between the Stations; the impact on the scheme by the insistence of Network Rail in maintaining their existing access facility to the railway across the site; and the lack of sufficient integration with the proposed office development on part of the site.

Resolved: That the findings of the Study now submitted be received and that the Officers be authorised to continue discussions with the Consultant on the design and feasibility work on this scheme in view of comments now submitted.

406. Objections to Proposed Traffic Regulation Order ‚ Astley Hall Drive, Astley: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of six objections and two letters of support received to the waiting restrictions to be installed on Astley Hall Drive, Astley in an effort to address traffic problems caused by vehicles parked in the vicinity by visitors to Dam House. He set out in the report his observations on the proposal in view of these comments.

Resolved: That the objections be sustained and the letters of support be overruled and that no further action be taken on the introduction of the waiting restrictions accordingly.

407. New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 - Section 74: This item was withdrawn.

408. Best Value Review of Engineering Consultancy ‚ Land Reclamation Function: The Directors of Engineering Services and Planning and Development submitted a joint report (circulated) giving details of recommendations made by the Challenge Team in connection with the above mentioned Best Value Review and their observations thereon. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 98 refers).

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That approval in principle be given to the relocation of the Land Reclamation Team from the Planning and Development Department to the Engineering Consultancy Sector of the Department of Engineering Services, subject to the resolution of budget implications and the client function remaining with the Planning and Development Department.

(3) That the incorporation of the Drainage Section within the Engineering Consultancy on a fee-earning basis be approved.

409. Highway Maintenance Programme 2003/04 ‚ Provisional Programme of Works ‚ Carriageway and Footway Maintenance ‚ Principal Roads and Other Classified Roads: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the Principal and Other Classified roads that were considered to be in need of some form of structural maintenance treatment in the short term. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 110 refers).

Resolved: That the provisional Highway Maintenance Programme for 2003/04 as set out in Appendices A, B and C to the report now submitted be approved and that the Director of Engineering Services be authorised to undertake preparatory work until the level of funding received is known.

410. Standing Select Lists of Contractors ‚ (1) Asphalt and Coated Macadam Carriageway Resurfacing including Thin Wearing Course Systems and (2) Surface Dressing: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) stating that the abovementioned Lists had been in force for five years and that, in accordance with Standing Orders, he was in the process of inviting contractors to apply for inclusion in new Lists. However, he reported that other parties were delaying the necessary checks and he recommended an extension of the existing Lists to enable him to complete this work. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 113 refers).

Resolved: That the existing Standing Select Lists be extended for a period of three months or until the review is completed.

411. Standing Select Lists of Contractors ‚ Addition to Existing Lists ‚ (1) Weed Control and (2) Slurry Seal: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of firms that had applied for inclusion on the abovementioned Standing Select Lists of Contractors. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 114 refers).

Resolved: That Nomix-Chipman (Weed Control) and RMS (Slurry Seal) be added to the Standing Select Lists accordingly.

412. Revenue Budget Monitoring 2002/03: The Director of Finance and Information Technology submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the third monitoring exercise undertaken on the Revenue Estimates 2002/03 and of the views of the Panels on the significant variances identified.

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

413. Revenue Budget 2003/04 - Timetable: The Director of Finance and Information Technology submitted a report (circulated) giving details of a timetable for the setting of the 2003/4 Revenue Budget. In addition, he drew attention to arrangements for the involvement of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the process.

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

414. Fees and Charges 2003/04 ‚ Leisure and Cultural Services Department: The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of Fees and Charges to be levied for services provided by his Department for the financial year 2003/04. The Cultural Services Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 65 refers).

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

415. Haigh Country Park ‚ Golf Depot: The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services submitted a report and Form CPR1 (circulated) giving details of adjustments that could be made to the Capital Programme to take account of the proposed Golf Depot facility, as part of the Haigh Golf Project, now that the final costs of the Walled Gardens project at Haigh were known. Also, he gave details of the income derived from the sale of a steam train that could be used to support the cost of the Depot.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That approval be given to Budget release in the sum of £49,135 (£39,000 Capital Resources £10,135 Revenue Contribution) for the Golf Depot and that the Capital Programme be amended accordingly.

(3) That the balance of the proceeds of the sale of the train be added to the Capital Programme 2002/03.

416. Corporate Policy on the Treatment of Trees in Relation to Television Reception: The Director of Leisure and Cultural submitted a report (circulated) giving details of a corporate policy on the treatment of Council owned trees in relation to the reception of terrestrial and satellite television signals and to provide guidance to ensure equity of treatment on this issue. The Cultural Services Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 70 refers).

Resolved: That the policy now submitted be approved.

(2) That the Officers be authorised to award problems of this nature a low priority when determining the allocation of resources for arboricultural works on trees on Council held land.

417. Service Level Agreement with Occupational Health: The Director of Personnel submitted a report (circulated) giving details of an extensive consultation process with other Departments that had been undertaken to revise the Service Level Agreement with Occupational Health as a result of findings of the Best Value Review of Sickness Absence. The increase in service provision identified would have additional cost implications and would operate for 18 months only pending a fundamental review of Welfare services.

Resolved: (1) That the Service Level Agreement be revised accordingly with effect from 1st April 2003.

(2) That approval be given to an exception to Standing Orders relating to the public advertisement and invitation of tenders to enable the Director of Personnel to conclude the Agreement with the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust, the existing supplier.

(3) That the Director of Personnel be requested to monitor the new Agreement on a quarterly basis with the Resources Working Group.

418. Management Guidelines for Dealing with Sickness Absence: The Director of Personnel submitted a report (circulated) giving details of an extensive consultation process undertaken to revise the Council's Management Guidelines for Dealing with Sickness Absence. The document had been developed as a result of the Best Value Review of Sickness Absence; incorporated best practice identified from a variety of sources; and had been the subject of full consultation with the Trade Unions party to the NJC, and with managers in Departments through their representatives on the Corporate HR Issues Group.

Resolved: That the amended Management Guidelines for dealing with Sickness Absence be adopted accordingly.

419. Site Formerly Occupied by Baxrow Skips, Westleigh Lane, Leigh: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report (circulated) dealing with problems associated with a site formerly occupied by Baxrow Skips at Westleigh Lane, Leigh for which planning consent had been granted for a Waste Transfer Station. The Development Control Committee and the Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minutes 82 and 105 refer respectively).

Resolved: That the Director of Planning and development be authorised to clear waste from the site accordingly and to place a charge on the land to recover the costs as and when the site is sold.

420. West Coast Rail Modernisation: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the Strategic Rail Authorityís (SRA) strategy for the modernisation of the West Coast Main Line and his observations thereon.

Resolved: That the comments contained in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.4 of the report now submitted form the Councilís response to the SRA.

421. Coalfield Challenge Forward Strategy and Assets: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the forward strategy and evaluation of the abovementioned Programme following the end of Single Regeneration Budget funding of Coalfield Challenge in March 2002.

Resolved: (1) That Cabinet welcomes the successful completion and forward strategy of the Coalfield Challenge SRB Programme.

(2) That approval be given to the mechanism agreed by the Coalfield Challenge Board for the distribution of assets.

(Councillor P.R.C. Smith declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his Membership of the Coalfield Challenge Board and the Development Company).

422. Fees and Charges ‚ Planning and Development Department: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report (circulated) giving details of Fees and Charges to be levied for services provided by his Department for the financial year 2003/04. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 109 refers).

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

423. South Wigan and Ince Transport Corridors: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report and Form CPR1 (circulated) giving details of progress to date on the development of the abovementioned Transport Corridors Programme to be funded through the Regeneration Fund and South Wigan and Ince Economic Development Zone. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 106 refers) and the Regeneration Panel would consider it at its next meeting.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That approval be given to Budget Release in the sum of £4,942,335 (£618,000 Regeneration Fund £1,797,900 Other Public Funding £1,743,500 ERDF £52,935 Capital Resources £730,000 Private Sector Contributions) and that the Capital Programme be amended accordingly.

(3) That the Director of Planning and Development be authorised to progress the detailed design of the Year 1 schemes and to amend the funding for each element within the overall total if necessary.

(4) That the Director of Planning and Development be authorised to undertake public consultation on the outline proposals for the entire programme as now submitted.

424. Adoption of Public Open Space at Manor Park Development, off Golborne Road, Ashton: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the terms under which Redrow Homes (Lancashire) Limited had offered the open space within the abovementioned development for adoption by the Council. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 112 refers).

Resolved: That the area of land off Rigbyís Lane, Ashton identified on the plan now submitted be adopted as open space on the terms and conditions set out in the report now submitted and that the Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary Deed of Acquisition.

425. Adoption of Open Space and Play Area off Helen Street, Golborne: The Director of Planning and Development submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the terms under which Harlor Homes Limited had offered the open space and play area within the abovementioned development for adoption by the Council. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 111 refers).

Councillor OíNeill sought an assurance that Community Safety and the Ward Members would be consulted on the provision and siting of play areas in future and stated that the holding of all land should lie with one Department to ensure consistency and accountability.

Resolved: (1) That the area of land off Helen Street, Golborne identified on the plan now submitted be adopted as open space and play area on the terms and conditions set out in the report now submitted and that the Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary Deed of Acquisition.

(2) That the Director of Land and Property be requested to investigate the points now raised and to report thereon to a future meeting.

426. Process on Call-in: The Director of Legal Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of options for a process on Call-In based on the experience gained at the first instance recently undertaken and set out her observations thereon. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the report and expressed views thereon (Minute 71 refers).

Resolved: That Council be recommended to adopt the formal and informal processes suggested in the report now submitted as guidance for the conduct of Call-In and to amend the Constitution accordingly.

427. Creation of Groundwork Lancashire West: The Chief Executive submitted a report (circulated) giving details of proposals for the creation of Groundwork Lancashire West and their impact on Wigan and Chorley Groundwork Trust Limited. In addition, he submitted a letter (circulated) from Wigan and Chorley Groundwork seeking the Councilís views on the implications of that organisation sharing resources (including human resources) with the new organisation.

Resolved: That the report and letter now submitted be accepted and that the Chief Executive be requested to seek assurances from Wigan and Chorley Groundwork that this proposal:-

(a) will not diminish Groundworkís performance when working in Wigan; and

(b) will not increase the Councilís existing substantial liabilities in funding Groundworkís activities.

428. Combination of Local and European Elections in 2004: The Chief Executive submitted a report (circulated) giving details of a consultation paper issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on the options of combining the Local and European Elections due in 2004 so that they were held on the same day, suggested as 10th June 2004. The paper also sought views on the combined election being held at the weekend to match current practice elsewhere in Europe.

A letter from Councillor Winstanley setting out his views on the proposals was attached to the report.

Resolved: That the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister be informed that in the opinion of this Council:-

(a) if the object of the exercise is to maximise turnout and to make voting more convenient for electors, serious consideration should be given to an all postal ballot for the combined election;

(b) Thursday as opposed to the weekend should be retained as Election day for the combined election because it is the traditional date for elections in the UK and as such understood by electors; and

(c) many Authorities (including Wigan) will be holding all out elections in 2004 to implement the results of the Periodic Electoral Review and this will be an added complication.

429. School Organisation Plan ‚ Review of Primary and Early Years Provision: (a) Hindley, Hindley Green and Abram: The Director of Education submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the results of the consultation exercise on primary and early years provision in Hindley, Hindley Green and Abram and seeking decisions on the next stage of the review. Letters from the Governors of Hindley Green Primary School and Ian McCartney MP setting out their views were submitted. In addition, he submitted a letter (circulated at the meeting) from the Headteacher of Westleigh Primary School setting out his observations on the impact of the proposals under consideration on his School. The Lifelong Learning Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 74 refers).

He submitted an addendum to the report (circulated) setting out the recommendations of the Working Group established to examine the options available and of the Officers thereon.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That consideration of the future of St. Nathanielís Church of England Primary School be deferred to enable the Director of Education to investigate with Ian McCartney MP an option to conjoin healthcare and education provision in the vicinity of the School and that he be requested to report thereon to a future meeting.

(3) That he be requested to liaise with Liverpool Church of England Diocese and the Governing Bodies to reduce the admission number of the following schools with effect from September 2004:-

All Saintsí CE from 35 to 30;
St. Peterís CE from 35 to 30;
Bickershaw CE from 30 to 25

(4) That he be requested to liaise with the Liverpool Archdiocese and the Governing Bodies to reduce the admission numbers of the following schools with effect from September 2004:-

Holy Family Catholic Primary from 39 to 30;
St. Benedictís Catholic Primary from 39 to 30;
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary from 35 to 30

(5) That Hindley Green Primary School be retained as a two form entry School on its current site.

(6) That Hindley J & I Primary School be retained as a one form entry School on its current site in new buildings and designated as a resourced School with places for 30 pupils with Special Educational Needs across all Primary year groups.

(7) That the Director of Education be requested to conduct a further public consultation exercise on the proposal in (6) above and to report thereon to a future meeting.

(8) That the Director of Education be authorised to publish statutory notices to discontinue Hollins Primary School with effect from August 2004.

(9) That the Director of Education be authorised to submit a Targeted Capital bid for funding the new School referred to in (6) above to report to a future meeting on the outcome of the bid.

(Councillor Mrs. L. Liptrot declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of her Chairmanship of the Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust.)

(b) Tyldesley: The Director of Education submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the structure of primary schools in Tyldesley on which formal consultation could be carried out. He submitted an email (circulated) from the Governors of Shakerley CE Primary School urging the retention of the School.

Councillors M. Aldred (Hindsford Ward) and S.J. Hellier (Tyldesley East) made presentations on behalf of their electorate.

Resolved: (1) That consideration of the future of St. Johnís CE Primary School be deferred to enable the Director of Education to discuss with the Diocesan Authorities the potential for the establishment of an Ecumenical School to serve the Mosley Common area and to report the outcome to a future meeting.

(2) That he be authorised to publish statutory notices to discontinue Shakerley CE Primary School with effect from August 2004 and to provide transport facilities to enable the displaced children to attend other Schools in the area.

(3) That he be requested to explore the potential for establishing a Nursery on the site of Shakerley School that could be used for other educational purposes and be available as a community resource and that he be requested to report thereon to a future meeting.

(4) That he be requested to liaise with Manchester Church of England Diocese and the Governing Body to publish notices to significantly enlarge the standard number at St Georgeís CE Primary School from 45 to 60 with effect from September 2004.

(Councillor B.M. Wilson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his wifeís employment at one of the Schools concerned and left the meeting).

(c) Wigan West: The Director of Education submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the results of the consultation exercise on primary and early years provision in Wigan West and seeking decision on the next stage of the review. The Lifelong Learning Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 75 refers).

He submitted an addendum to the report (circulated) setting out the recommendations of the Working Group established to examine the options available.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That the Director of Education be requested to liaise with Liverpool Church of England Diocese and the Governing Body to reduce the admission number of St. Johnís CE Primary School from 35 to 30 with effect from September 2004.

(3) That he be authorised to publish statutory notices to discontinue Scot Lane and Marsh Green Community Primary Schools with effect from September 2004.

(4) That a new two form entry School be established to replace the Schools closed in (3) above on a site to be identified.

(5) That the admission number of Lamberhead Green Community Primary School be reduced from 70 to 60.

(6) That Pemberton Community Primary School be retained as a one form entry School on its current site.

(7) That the size of the LEA nursery attached to Pemberton Community Primary School be reduced from 150 to 60 places and place it on the same site as the school.

430. Wigan Inner Relief Route ‚ Ground Investigation ‚ Prescott Street Bridge: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of a tender that he had accepted from Exploration Associates of Deeside for ground investigation in preparation for a bridge to take the abovementioned route under the Wigan-Southport railway line. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 119 refers).

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

431. Fees and Charges 2003/04 ‚ Engineering Services Department: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of Fees and Charges to be levied for services provided by his Department for the financial year 2003/04. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 117 refers).

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

432. Tenders up to £150,000 in Value Accepted by the Director of Engineering Services under Delegated Powers: The Director of Engineering Services submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the decisions made by him during the financial year 2002/03, which involved a value of less than £150,000. The Environment Panel had endorsed the report (Minute 120 refers).

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted.

433. Outsourcing of Collection of Former Tenant Rent Arrears: The Director of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection submitted a report (circulated) giving details of proposals of Wigan and Leigh Housing Company Limited to pilot the collection of former tenants rent arrears by a debt collection agency based on the terminated tenancies from the Leigh Area Housing Office.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That the Director of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection be authorised to invite tenders from interested Companies and to report thereon to a future meeting.

(Councillor S. Parker declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his Membership of Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited).

434. Replacement of Housing Information System: The Directors of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection and Finance and Information Technology submitted a joint report (circulated) giving details of tenders received for the supply and implementation of a new Housing Management Information System to replace "core" Housing mainframe systems and the results of their evaluation of the tenders.

Resolved: That the tender submitted by SX3 in the total amount of £966,616 be accepted and that the costs involved be met from the Housing Revenue Account.

(Councillor S. Parker declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his Membership of Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited).

435. Establishment of Joint Service Centre, Wigan (Minute 315 refers): The Director of Land and Property submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the progress to date on the submission of a Bid to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for PFI credit to facilitate the procurement of the abovementioned scheme. In particular, he reported that, following an exception to Standing Orders granted by the Chief Executive, he had appointed Pinnacle Consulting to advise on the bid.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That the costs for the preparation of the Bid be met from the existing budget provision for PFI development activities.

(Councillor Mrs. L. Liptrot declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of her Chairmanship of the Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust.)

436. Grand Arcade Shopping Development, Wigan (Minute 316 refers): The Director of Land and Property submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the discussions held with Modus Properties Limited to determine the future viability of their proposals for the abovementioned Scheme and to agree Heads of Terms for an extension of their Exclusivity Agreement.

Resolved: That the report now submitted be accepted and that the Heads of Terms for an extension of the Exclusivity Agreement to be granted to Modus Properties Limited up until the 31st March 2003 as set out therein be approved.

437. Impact of Car Litigation: This item was withdrawn.

438. Conditions of Service for First and Second Tier Officers: The Director of Personnel submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the current position relating to the Car Leasing Scheme and Alternative Salary Option as they applied to First and Second Tier Officers and her suggested amendments.

Resolved: (1) That the report now submitted be accepted.

(2) That all First and Second Tier Officers (Chief Officers and their Deputies as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act) be classed as Nominated Users under the Car Leasing Scheme, together with any future posts which fall into the same category.

(3) That the Chief Executive be authorised to nominate other Officers as Nominated Users where there are recruitment and retention difficulties.

(4) That the Director of Engineering Services be authorised to determine Normal Users in accordance with the criteria laid down in the scheme.

(5) That the process used to calculate the Chief Officers Alternative Salary Option be simplified in accordance with the details set out in the report now submitted.

(6) That the Alternative Salary Option to be offered to the Second Tier Officers be as set out in the report now submitted.

439. Redundancy in Land and Property Department: The Director of Personnel submitted a report (circulated) giving details of a request received from the Director of Land and Property for the redundancy of an employee in his Department following a review of the Finance, Business Support and Performance Sections.

Resolved: That post numbered J-SS-001 be disestablished accordingly.

440. Replacement of Social Services Information System (Minute 112 refers): The Directors of Social Services and Finance and Information Technology submitted a joint report (circulated) giving details of the negotiations with the preferred bidder for the supply and implementation of a replacement Social Services Information System and of their observations thereon.

Resolved: (1) That the tender submitted by Anite plc in the total amount of £492,500, being the lowest submitted, be accepted.

(2) That approval be given to Budget Release in the sum of £611,500 (£400,000 LIS Board funding £151,000 Capital Grant ‚ Improving Management Information £60,500 Capital Resources) and that the Capital Programme be amended accordingly.

441. Revenue Budget 2003/04 ‚ Growth Bids: The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (circulated) giving details of the recommendations of the Management Team of Chief Officers on Growth Bids submitted by Departments for the 2003/04 Revenue Budget.

The Director of Finance and Information Technology submitted a report (circulated) giving details of bids received for the £250,000 allocated in the 2002/03 Revenue Budget for risk management measures and of the observations of the Management Team of Chief Officers thereon.

Resolved: (1) That the reports now submitted be accepted.

(2) That the Growth Bids classified as Priority 1 in the report now submitted and totalling £678,000 be provisionally approved.

(3) That consideration of the Growth Bids classified as Priority 2 in the report now submitted and totalling £310,000 plus Invasive Weeds be deferred until the resources situation in the 2003/04 Revenue Budget is clarified.

(4) That consideration of the proposals relating to CCTV (£210,000) and Community and Patrol Service (£361,000) be reviewed once the resources situation in the 2003/04 Revenue Budget is clarified.

(5) That the risk management proposals totalling £246,000 be approved and met from the Insurance Fund.

(Councillor S. Parker declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his Membership of Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited).

442. Performance Management of Wigan and Leigh Housing: The Director of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection submitted a report (circulated) giving details of a performance management framework and performance targets which would ensure that Wigan and Leigh Housing Company Limited delivered the best possible housing management and other services in accordance with its contract with the Council.

Resolved: That the performance management framework now submitted be approved.

(Councillor S. Parker declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his Membership of Wigan and Leigh Housing Limited).