The Executive The Executive
Minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2007 Councillor Leese – In the Chair Councillors J. Battle, Curley, S Murphy, E Newman, S Newman, Priest, Stevens and Swannick
Also present as Members of the Standing Advisory Panel: Councillors Ashley, Cowell, Donaldson, Firth, Grant, A. Khan, Pearcey, Shannon and Smitheman
Also present: Councillors Amesbury, R Battle, Karney
Exe/07/115 Minutes
Decision
To approve the minutes of the Executive held on 12 September 2007 as a correct record.
Exe/07/116 Regional Casino
A report concerning the Regional Casino was submitted.
In July the Prime Minister announced that, as no consensus had been reached within the two Houses of Parliament on the implementation of the recommendations on casinos, the opportunity would be taken to examine the outcome of the report on the incidence and prevalence of gambling within the UK, due to be published in September. He also said that the Government would review whether other regeneration alternatives might be a better way of meeting economic and social needs than the creation of regional casinos.
The Leader of the Council and local MP’s have met the Prime Minister to discuss the city’s concerns about the announcement and were assured that no final policy decision had yet been made. The Prime Minister was anxious to consider the outcome of the review he had commissioned before determining future policy and had asked the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to lead an interdepartmental review for presentation to him by the end of October.
The Interdepartmental Review Team is now in place and work is well underway. Its primary focus is on alternative regeneration strategies. The Chief Executive has met the convenor of the Interdepartmental Group and there has been a presentation of the Council’s position, focussing on a range of issues including the potential alternative strategies, which might be available for the redevelopment of East Manchester, and why none of these, even if they were practical options, would deliver a similar scale of benefit as the proposed casino. Overall the lost opportunity to build a mixed use scheme anchored by a regional casino would cost the city £1billion in GVA over a ten year period. The Chief Executive is also arranging for
Page 1 of 28 The Executive members of the Interdepartmental Group to visit the city and the East Manchester area for further discussions.
In the discussions, the Chief Executive has emphasised that any review must also fully embrace issues of problem gambling. These concerns had a significant influence on the decision of the House of Lords to reject the Government’s proposals as well as other issues concerning the CAP process and the promotion of other places as an alternative to Manchester.
The Chief Executive has asked Professor Alan Harding from the University of Manchester Institute of Political and Economic Governance, Professor Tony Addison from the Brooks World Poverty Institute and James Rees from the University of Manchester to undertake an independent analysis of the issues surrounding the process. We have now received their report. This shows that the terms of reference for the CAP were clear and adequate and that they exhibited direct links both to the Government’s National Statement of Policy on Casinos and the objectives of the Gambling Act. Their work found that the CAP process itself was marked by a remarkable level of openness and was robust.
Last month the British Gambling Prevalence Survey for 2007 was published. This demonstrated that there had been no increase in problem gambling despite a significant increase in the opportunities to gamble through greater access to new products and platforms. It strengthened the evidential base showing that there is little causal relationship between casinos and problem gambling in the UK.
The Council has always taken the issue of problem gambling extremely seriously and as part of its submission has developed a unique and robust approach to preventing and combating problem gambling in Manchester. The heart of this approach is the development of a multi agency partnership based on education, prevention, treatment and research.
As was reported to our last meeting, Paul Bellringer, Director of Responsible Gambling Solutions Limited and Professor Mark Griffiths from the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University have been asked to appraise Manchester’s proposals and their findings showed that the combination of the Gambling Act 2005 and Manchester’s Social Responsibility Framework would result in a regional casino in Manchester being the most tightly regulated form of gambling in the UK. The greatest concerns about increases in problem gambling come from difficulties in controlling internet gambling and if the regional casino were not to proceed it would do little to reduce problem gambling.
The report concludes that Manchester’s regional casino and the Council’s associated Social Responsibility Framework is an important contribution to developing a national solution to problem gambling.
Notwithstanding this strong evidential base, we are concerned that there still remains a requirement to build wider public confidence in the operation of casinos and the relationship to problem gambling. There are important opportunities to be explored to help achieve this through design, enforcement an integrated approach to policing
Page 2 of 28 The Executive and licensing policies, the protection of young people and phasing the introduction of the full mix of gambling activities.
Such an approach could be achieved without the need to change primary legislation. Through effective engagement with the Government in consultation with the gaming industry, it should be possible to establish whether there are measures which allow a regional casino to reach its full potential at a pace which will be consistent with the achievement of acceptable outcomes both in terms of regeneration, social impact and an increasing level of public confidence.
Decision
1. To note the actions taken by the Chief Executive following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to contribute to the review of regeneration outcomes being led by DCLG and being undertaken through an Inter- Departmental Working Group.
2. To endorse the requirement that any review of the Regional Casino should address the issues raised by the House of Lords Merits Committee and the House of Lords itself, when it debated the Geographical Distribution of Casino Premises Order which was placed before both Houses on the 28th March, 2007.
3. To note the outcome of independent work carried out both on the process leading to the recommendation of the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP) that Manchester should be awarded the Regional Casino licence, and on the robustness of Manchester's social responsibility framework.
4. To recognise that notwithstanding the robustness of the evidential base, more action is likely to be required to build public confidence throughout the UK in relation to the impact of a regional casino in Manchester on problem gambling, and to authorise the Chief Executive to explore further the opportunities described in this report in consultation with stakeholders and the Government.
5. To request the Chief Executive to report on progress in due course.
(Councillors Leese, Battle, and Swannick declared personal interests in this item as Board members of NEM)
Exe/07/117 Oxford Road Strategic Development Framework
A report concerning the Oxford Road Strategic Development Framework was submitted.
Oxford Road is home to the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Central Manchester Manchester Children’s University Hospital and the Royal Northern College of Music.
Alongside these key institutions, the area also has a wide range of cultural facilities. It is estimated that just under 37,000 people, 12% of the city centre’s workforce
Page 3 of 28 The Executive currently work there. The planned investment programmes of the major institutions together with major new commercial developments have the potential to generate a further 5,000 jobs.
The extent and nature of this development make Oxford Road the primary focus for future economic growth of the city region and critical to the development of the higher value added economy, built on creativity and innovation.
Although significant opportunities exist to support and enhance its development, the area faces considerable challenges to future growth if it is to realise its full potential. It is a major gateway to the city centre and the busiest bus route in Europe. There are serious problems of congestion and environmental impact. Reconciling the role of Oxford Road as a key radial route with the inherent economic strength and potential of the area is critical to future development.
In response, the key institutions along the Corridor have joined with the Council to establish a development partnership, the key objectives of which are to establish a coherent strategy for the area and deliver the additional resources needed to address the impediments to growth and to maximise potential to support new business development, inward investment and employment growth. Membership of the Board has been expanded to include other key public and private sector stakeholders in the area.
The Oxford Road Strategic Development Framework has now been endorsed by the Partnership Board and is ready for consultation and publication. The Framework sets out the principles which the Partnership has adopted to ensure that the opportunities offered by current investment plans are exploited and harnessed in a co-ordinated way. On this basis it establishes key strategic objectives for improving the infrastructure and public realm, transport links, economic development and enhancement of the cultural and retail offers.
A members’ advisory board from wards along the corridor has been appointed and their views have been fed into the Framework. There will be further consultation across the whole range of interests in the area including residents, businesses, institutions, workers, students and visitors prior to publication.
In parallel with this, the University has undertaken a review of its landholdings at the former Umist Campus. A site close to London Road and south of the Piccadilly to Oxford Road railway viaduct has been identified for disposal in order to help fund new capital projects elsewhere. There is an adjacent area of land owned by the Council, which would not be capable of development in isolation. We have agreed to joint marketing of the sites to ensure that the best values are achieved for both parties and that a higher quality of development can be delivered on this major gateway site into the city centre. The joint development brief will form the basis of evaluation for any submissions received from the prospective development partners.
Decision
1. To note progress on the development of the Oxford Road initiative
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2. To endorse the principles underpinning the Oxford Road Strategic Development Framework
3. To approve the City Council’s continuing involvement in the implementation of the Framework and in the partnership arrangements which will oversee this.
4. To agree to the disposal of a small area of Council owned land fronting London Road as part of the University of Manchester’s disposal strategy subject to appropriate terms and conditions being agreed.
5. To agree that the principles established in the marketing brief for the London Road site are used to assess and evaluate any proposals that come forward.
(Councillors Donaldson, Firth and Shannon declared a personal and prejudicial interest as employees of Manchester University and left the meeting whilst this item was discussed. Councillor Swannick declared a personal interest as Director of Manchester Science Park)
Exe/07/118 Southern Gateway: Great Jackson Street Development Framework
A report concerning the Southern Gateway Great Jackson Street Development Framework was submitted.
In May, we endorsed the development framework for Great Jackson Street, for public consultation with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders.
The consultation process has now been completed. We have noted the replies received, including one reported to our meeting, together with the Chief Executives response. A number of detailed issues were raised, particularly by residents, but it must be recognised that the framework is not itself a blue print for development but a strategic framework for establishing development principles. Further and more detailed area wide studies, as well as work supporting individual schemes will be brought forward in accordance with these principles.
We have now endorsed the development framework, which will help the Great Jackson Street area mark its own unique identity but still function very much as part of the city centre.
Decision
1. To note the content of the report
2. To request the Planning and Highways Committee to take the Development Framework into consideration when considering applications for planning permission, listed building consent and advertisement consent in the Great Jackson Street area.
3. To authorise the Chief Executive to continue working with landowners to ensure a coordinated approach to the necessary implementation and delivery
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arrangements to secure the comprehensive transformation of the Great Jackson Street area.
Exe/07/119 South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework
A report concerning the South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework was submitted.
The South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework is the fifth and final framework for the city. It covers the Burnage, Chorlton, Chorlton Park, Didsbury East, Didsbury West, Fallowfield, Levenshulme, Oat Moat, Whalley Range and Withington wards.
Its development has been overseen by a multi agency steering group and a members group both chaired by the Leader of the Council
Development of the framework has involved extensive consultation with local communities, other public agencies and stakeholders and the final framework document reflects the feedback received during this process.
The Framework sets out a vision for South Manchester as the “Living City”, comprising successful well managed neighbourhoods, a sustainable housing market, and attractive centres supporting a full range of shops and community facilities. It will have strong cohesive communities, well connected and having access to excellent educational and employment opportunities.
A broad implementation framework is set out and whilst the South Manchester Regeneration Team will oversee implementation and delivery plans, execution will be the responsibility of all stakeholders.
We have endorsed the Framework which will now be used as a formal planning tool and will be a material consideration for development control purposes.
Decision
1. To approve the South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework, as the basis for taking forward regeneration of the area over the next 10 to 15 years.
2. To approve the South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework for adoption as a material consideration for development control purposes.
3. To endorse the comments of Economy, Employment and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the report.
Exe/07/120 Moss Side and Rusholme District Centre Local Plan
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A report concerning the Moss Side and Rusholme District Centre Local Plan was submitted.
The Central Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework sets out the broad vision and objectives to deliver the comprehensive, physical, social and economic regeneration over the next ten to fifteen years in the Ardwick, Hulme, Gorton North, Gorton South, Moss Side, Longsight and Rusholme wards.
The framework provides a clear context and rationale for the development of local plans. Moss Side and Rusholme District Centre was identified as the first area where a local plan should be developed and a Multi Agency Steering Group was set up to oversee this process.
Following a period of extensive consultation with all interests involved the final Moss Side and Rusholme District Centre Local Plan has now been finalised.
This identifies three key positive forces that will support the regeneration of the area, a) the redevelopment of sites to transform the housing offer and create a new housing market, b) proximity to significant growth areas in other parts of the city, which will provide opportunities for local residents to access jobs, and c) the identification of development sites, which will provide the opportunity to create facilities that meet local demands and support wider regeneration.
The plan sets out a broad implementation framework, which will be used to develop a more detailed three year implementation plan.
Decision
1. To approve the Moss Side & Rusholme District Centre Local Plan
2. To approve the adoption of the Ardwick Local Plan as a material consideration for development control purposes.
3. To endorse the comments of the Economy, Employment and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Exe/07/121 Ardwick Local Plan
A report concerning the Ardwick Local Plan was submitted.
Building on the broad vision and objectives set out in the Central Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework, the Ardwick Local Plan is one of a number of key regeneration strategies aiming to support economic growth of the city and transform local communities.
The plan has been prepared following extensive consultation with local interests. To ensure maximum impact it seeks to integrate with and complement the strategic frameworks being developed for both the Oxford Road Corridor and for New East Manchester.
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Elements of the plan include, review of radial and orbital linkages to better serve the local community, whilst meeting the needs of the wider city region, the development of enterprise and employment locations such as along Upper Brook Street and Devonshire Street and the development of better services in district and local centres with a stronger local centre for Ardwick at the Apollo end of Brunswick Street.
The South Manchester Regeneration Team will oversee the implementation and delivery plans for Ardwick, with the exception of West Gorton where New East Manchester will be the lead organisation.
Decision
1. To approve the Ardwick Local Plan
2. To approve the adoption of the Ardwick Local Plan as a material consideration for development control purposes.
3. To endorse the comments of the Economy, Employment and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the report.
(Councillors Leese, Battle, and Swannick declared a personal interest in this item as Board members of NEM)
Exe/07/122 Former Boddingtons Site
A report concerning the former Boddingtons site was submitted.
The Boddingtons Brewery site closed in February 2005. It has been purchased from Interbrew by a joint venture between ASK Developments and Realty Estates. This is an extremely important site and the Council has been working to identify a strategy, which will maximise its employment potential and stimulate improvement and investment across the wider Strangeways area. The Chief Executive in partnership with ASK and Realty has employed consultants to develop a local plan identifying a wider vision for the Strangeways employment area and also to produce a development framework for the site.
The Strangeways local plan will sit within the wider regeneration policy provided by the North Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework and will complement the Collyhurst Local Plan, which covers the area East of Strangeways. It will address economic weaknesses and help capture the major opportunities which exist. The plan is currently in its early stages and requires further consultation, following which it will be submitted to Overview and Scrutiny and then to the Executive for final approval.
To help realise the overarching objectives of this wider plan, the development framework for the Boddingtons site itself has now been prepared.
HOK has prepared the Framework under direction of a Working Group comprising representatives of the Council, ASK and Realty. They have worked closely with
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EDAW which is responsible for preparing the Strangeways local plan to ensure that the site will play its full part in encouraging and driving forward economic activity north of the city centre. Key features of the framework involve the creation of a vibrant employment led mixed use neighbourhood with an enhanced townscape, high quality pedestrian linkages to and through the site and the development of low energy use buildings, exploiting the topography of the site with high levels of daylight and natural ventilation. Consideration will also be given to the practicality of using the existing chimney as a landmark feature within the development.
The development of the site is forecast to create 1,850 jobs. An element of residential is essential for commercial success and without this the development would not proceed. Careful consideration will be given however to the mix of development to ensure an emphasis on employment uses, and that residential is not given undue prominence in the scheme. A detailed planning application for a first phase of the development is expected in early 2008, with development starting in the Autumn.
Decision
1. To endorse the principles of the development framework outlined in the report.
2. To request the Planning and Highways Committee consider the development framework as a material consideration in determining planning applications for the site.
3. To request Officers consider the status of the former Boddingtons site and the development framework for the former Boddingtons site within preparation of the Local Development Framework
4. To note the development of a local plan for Strangeways.
(Councillor Priest declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item and left the meeting whilst the item was discussed)
Exe/07/123 Academies Programme
A report concerning the Academies Programme was submitted.
Following extensive consultation on the future of education and children’s services in the city, we agreed in December 2006 to progress proposals to pursue the establishment of six academies (now seven with two single sex schools on the North Manchester High School for Boys site). This was done on the basis of a set of principles, which included a partnership with Manchester based businesses from the leading growth sectors in the city, allowing children in the secondary schools sector to benefit from curriculum and experiences connected to the world of work as well as routes into work.
As an integral part of the approach, we requested that there should be an agreement between all of the sponsors, and where appropriate DCSF, to key policies on
Page 9 of 28 The Executive admissions, behaviour and SEN provision. These policies are now agreed and will form part of the binding funding agreement between the Academy Trusts and DCSF. The Council is a member of every Academy Trust and has a right to nominate in the same proportion as lead sponsors to every governing body. The Sponsors have also agreed to enter into a Collaboration Protocol which will set out how the Trusts will work together and within the citywide framework to meet the Manchester vision. This will include agreement on data sharing, school term times and the ICT managed service solution.
With the commitment of all the sponsors, work has continued to the point where subject to the outcome of statutory consultations it is proposed to open most of the new academies in September 2010.
To establish the seven new academies by September 2010 it is necessary to formally close the five existing maintained schools at Parklands, Brookway, Plant Hill, North Manchester Boys and North Manchester Girls.
Proposals for closure will follow the statutory procedures beginning with an eight week period for consultation with all relevant stakeholders. This will start immediately after the Autumn half term holiday running from 29th October to 21st December.
The outcome of this initial consultation will be reported to the Director of Children’s Services who in consultation with the Executive Member for Children’s Services will decide whether or not to proceed, in the light of the comments made and DCF guidance. If it is decided to continue, statutory notices will be published introducing a six week period for objections or other comments. The outcome of this process will be reported to the Executive for final decisions to be made.
Each Academy would be owned by an Academy Trust which will be a charitable company limited by guarantee. The board of the Trust will also be the governing body of the school. The governing body will be made up of at least 50% sponsors and co sponsors and is accountable for the running of the academy and its outcomes. They will be responsible for ensuring that the academy is governed in a way that provides leadership and strategic direction as well as accountability to members of the Trust and the community. The Council will have the right to nominate directors/governors to every academy.
The main legal agreement between DCSF and the Academy Trust will be through a funding agreement. There will be one funding agreement for each academy. The agreement will set out the main obligations on the trust and how it will be held accountable. The agreements will require the schools to be at the heart of their communities sharing their facilities with other schools in the wider community. The Trust must comply with agreed policies on admissions, exclusion and SEN and behaviour and must provide education for pupils of different abilities, who are wholly or mainly drawn from the local area.
As part of the arrangements to establish the academies, the Council will procure the sites for the new school. In most cases the new academy will use the site of the existing school, although two schools the Rochdale Road/Queens Road Academy
Page 10 of 28 The Executive and the New East Manchester Academy will be based on new sites to be provided by the Council. The Council will enter into a development agreement and agreement for lease with each Academy Trust. Following completion of the development the Council will grant the Trust a long leasehold interest in the school premises. The Trust will be responsible for the repair and insurance of the premises.
The financial consequences to the revenue budget are yet to be fully costed but will derive from reductions in the Dedicated Schools Grant, severance costs for staff not transferring to the new academies and the treatment of surplus of deficit balances on closure of each of the maintained schools. The Manchester Model for Academies has removed the requirement for a £2m endowment fund enabling the academies to be established on the basis of an annual sponsor contribution of £40,000. Work is carrying on with sponsors and other supporters to ensure that this requirement is met.
On the capital side the budget for the seven academies is £141.1m. This comprises £113.2m government Grant, receipts from disposal of the North Manchester High School for Girls Site of £4m, £8m from the Capital Fund in 2007/8 and £15.9m to be met from an increase in the Council’s mainstream programme over the period 2007/8 to 2010/11.
This is an increase of £3.9m on the figure previously reported to us and we recommend that the Council approve increases to the Capital Programme to incorporate these changes.
Decision
1. To note progress on the Manchester Academy Programme and agree the report
2. To agree to the commencement of statutory consultation on the closure of the following High Schools: Brookway, Parklands, Plant Hill, North Manchester Boys, North Manchester Girls, and their replacement with Academies;
3. To agree that, following consultation, the decision to proceed to publish statutory notices or otherwise to be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the lead member for Children’s Services.
4. To agree that the City Council participates in the Academy Trust companies as set out in the report.
5. To delegate to the Chief Executive and City Solicitor authority to finalise and execute all legal documentation required for the establishment of the Academy Trusts and the conditional funding agreement.
6. To agree to underwrite a contribution of £40,000 per annum to each Academy Trust to comply with the new Department for Children, Schools and Families sponsorship model for Academies and to authorise officers to work with sponsors and other stakeholders to meet this requirement.
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7. Subject to the final outcome of statutory consultation to approve the disposal of the Academy sites to the new Academy Trusts for a peppercorn following completion of the design and construction of the new schools by the Council and delegate to the Chief Executive, City Treasurer and City Solicitor authority to negotiate and complete the development agreement, agreement for lease and other legal agreements necessary to implement these arrangements.
8. 8. To agree to a budget for the 7 Academies of £141.1m that comprises £113.2m Government grants, £4m land disposal, £8m from the Capital Fund in 2007/08 to 2009/10 and £15.9m which is an increase of £3.9m on the figure reported to the June 2007 Executive. This increase requires the approval of the Executive and is to be met from an increase in the Council’s Mainstream Programme over the period 2007/08 to 2010/11, all included in the Capital Programme, and recommend that the City Council approve an increase to the Capital Programme to incorporate these changes.
9. To endorse the comments of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the proposals.
(Councillor Priest declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item in view of his employment with MANCAT and left the meeting whilst the item was discussed. Councillors Leese, Battle and Swannick declared personal interests as Board members of NEM and Councillor Eddie Newman declared a personal interest as a Director of Willow Park) Exe/07/124 Review of Further Education
A report concerning a Review of Further Education was submitted.
The Council has been constant in its support for recommendations, arising from the reviews conducted by the Learning and Skills Council, for dissolution of the Manchester College of Arts and Technology and City College Manchester, prior to the creation of a new unified institution for the city.
Consultation on the proposal took place in July and was overwhelmingly supportive. Since then both existing colleges have undertaken appropriate due diligence testing. This has identified a range of issues which will need to be addressed in order to underpin the business plan for the new college, including the need to invest in the improvement and replacement of buildings and an improvement in management systems.
The Learning and Skills Council is of the view that, whilst highlighting concerns, the due diligence process has not raised any fundamental obstacle to delivery of the strategy. It is apparent though that there are tensions between the two Corporations, and it is proposed to manage this through the creation of a series of bi lateral negotiations, in parallel with which a series of engagements with senior staff from within both colleges is being promoted. It is still intended that the submission to the Secretary of State for the dissolution of the existing colleges and the creation of a new institution should be completed by the end of November 2007.
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The City Council remains fully supportive of the proposal for creation of a single unified institution and of the approach being taken to deliver this, recognising that it is essential that there is full support and engagement of existing senior management teams who will be required to provide the substantial leadership for the new institution.
Decision
1. To note the progress being made by the Learning and Skills Council in taking forward the recommendations arising from the review of Further Education provision in Manchester
2. To reaffirm the Council’s support for the dissolution of both existing Further Education colleges and the creation of a new, single further education institution which will be capable of delivering significantly enhanced curriculum planning and access for learners across Manchester.
3. To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Employment, to continue to work with the Learning and Skills Council and with both of the existing FE colleges in order to ensure that the process of dissolution of the existing institutions and the creation of the new FE college is taken forward in an orderly and timely fashion.
4. To urge the governing bodies of both the Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT) and the City College Manchester (CCM) to work collaboratively in order to ensure the maximum engagement of staff and key stakeholders in the process of dissolution and of the creation of the new FE College.
(Councillor Priest declared a personal and prejudicial interest in view of his employment with MANCAT in this item and left the meeting whilst the item was discussed. Councillor Leese declared a personal interest in this item)
Exe/07/125 King David School
A report concerning the development of King David School was submitted.
We have previously considered a number of reports on the difficulties of accommodating the many components of the King David Education Campus on its present site and the need for additional investment to improve functionality and sustain high performance levels in the longer term.
Refurbishment was proposed but this would not have significantly changed the layout of existing buildings or provided any scope to improve external play areas and sports facilities. Consideration was, therefore, given to developing an alternative site to locate the infant and junior school, which could be brought together to form a new primary school with associated nursery provision. A review of sites by the Council showed that, taking into account catchment area, accessibility and other factors, the best alternative was the Parkside Centre at Heaton Park. An independent review of this site selection process, commissioned from Drivers Jonas confirmed this.
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In parallel with the primary school evaluation, work had also been progressing in relation to the BSF planned investment for the high school. This was predicated on an investment plan, which secured the refurbishment of the main school building with a small element of new build. Detailed site surveys have now been completed and these reveal major structural and mechanical and electrical issues, which require significant elements of the buildings to be replaced in order to provide a cost effective structure for the future. The cost of this work has rendered the original scheme unsuitable. It would provide very poor value for money with limited educational benefits.
In light of this, an evaluation of the costs and benefits of a substantial new build was instigated to see whether this would, in principle, allow the existing site to be used in a more efficient manner, creating scope to encompass all the schools within an integrated campus style development. This would mean that an alternative site for the new primary school would no longer be required.
The project team has confirmed that a single site solution is feasible without the need to decant pupils from any of the schools during the construction process. This solution would also provide the teaching areas previously agreed with the school for both primary and secondary and would provide significant benefits in offering flexible build teaching space on a campus basis.
Co-locating the nursery, primary and secondary elements would have significant educational benefits. A single new build solution for the primary and secondary schools based on a part two storey and part five storey design, with a more efficient land footprint, would take around two years to construct and would not require pupils to be decanted off the site.
The work undertaken so far still requires further development in full consultation with school governors and as part of this a design solution will be developed which supports improvements in the amenity of the surrounding area and transport in particular.
The costs of providing a new primary school on the existing site as part of an integrated scheme is estimated at £6.355m. This is a reduction of £2.773m over the original estimated cost of providing the school on a separate site. Costs of providing the new high school are estimated at £14.337m giving a total cost for the integrated complex of £20.562m.
The maximum capital funding likely to be available to the Council to deliver new investment is £18.892m which is £1.67m less than anticipated costs. The school trustees and governing body will be asked to make a contribution of over £1m with the balance of £620,000 being met from the BSF budget allocation.
Decision
1. To give approval in principle to investment at the King David Schools to be based on a substantially new build single site solution on its existing site in Crumpsall.
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2. To agree that the School Governors be formally consulted on the revised proposal and to seek their agreement and commitment to the strategy outlined in this report.
3. To agree that the funding strategy be subject to further development for determination through the roll-forward of the Council’s capital programme.
4. To agree that a Project Board is established and the School Governing Body are invited to chair the Board in order to oversee the detailed development of proposals for report back to the Executive in due course.
5. To authorise the Chief Executive to consider alternative uses for the Parkside Centre site having regard to plans for the wider renaissance of the Park and to bring back a report evaluating proposals in due course.
Exe/07/126 Cavendish Community Primary School
A report concerning Cavendish Community Primary School was submitted.
Following a review of primary school places in 2003, the admission number for Cavendish Primary School was increased from 60 to 75, to take into account an expected increase in demand as a result of local housing developments.
As part of the statutory consultation which took place on the recent review of primary schools, the head teacher and governing body of Cavendish School advised that the number of extra pupils generated by local housing developments had not been as great as expected and as a result the school had excessive surplus places. It was agreed, therefore, to carry out further consultation on proposals to reduce the admission numbers from 75 back to 60 with effect from 1st September next year.
No comments or objections have been received during the consultation period and we have agreed that the admissions number should be reduced accordingly.
Decision
To note the report and agree that the admission number for Cavendish Community Primary School be reduced from 75 to 60 from 1 September 2008.
Exe/07/127 Greater Manchester Governance Proposals
A report concerning Greater Manchester Governance Proposals was submitted.
The long term economic prospects for the city are inextricably linked to the performance of the wider Greater Manchester City Region and there is a need for a clear framework for managing those linkages, if the economic recovery of the city region is to be maintained in a sustainable way.
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The creation of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities has provided a political managerial framework for the development of a strategic approach to delivering programmes to underpin the city region’s economy.
The Northern Way Growth Strategy identified Manchester as the key city region for the north as a whole because of the scale and pace of the growth of its economy. The Core Cities have pressed for recognition of the need for more effective management of city regions and the Government has asked for proposals to be developed as to how this could be delivered. In response, AGMA has begun to develop proposals for a new governance framework that could help deliver greater influence and control for the city region over the main aspects of its development.
This approach has been reinforced by the Sub National Review of Economic Development, which makes it clear that significant levels of responsibility for key economic development functions will be expected to be delegated to sub regions by national and regional agencies. It also sets out the prospect of developing new multiple area agreements, as a means by which local authorities acting in collaboration might forge agreements with other key agencies and departments of state.
These developments are entirely supportive of the position taken in the Manchester City Region, where AGMA has adopted a consistent approach in its proposals for new governance arrangements. The principle underlying this is that accountability for the exercise of new governance and powers is enshrined in the existing local authorities. The model proposed by AGMA is a simple one based around the creation of a new Executive comprising the leaders of the ten AGMA authorities. This will be a joint committee of the ten authorities and will have responsibility for discharge of those priority functions that the authorities agree are best managed at city regional level.
Work is currently underway to draft a new constitution for agreement by AGMA, which will enable the Executive to be established by the beginning of the new financial year. Proposals will also be brought forward for robust arrangements for scrutiny of the work of the Executive. It is a clear requirement that scrutiny arrangements, which will involve all of the constituent AGMA authorities, must be in place at the point when the Executive is established.
The Executive will identify a series of key priority areas, which will require co- ordination and strategic oversight at city regional level. Specific priorities are: - economic development - skills and employment - spatial planning and housing - transport, environmental sustainability and climate change – health, and - public protection.
A series of strategic commissions will be appointed for each priority area. Commissions will include appointed representatives of key stakeholder agencies in the private sector, where appropriate. At present work is proceeding on development of the economic development skills and employment commission as a first priority.
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Work is also underway to develop a multiple area agreement for the city region, to complement the local area agreements being developed by individual local authorities.
Decision
1. To note the progress being made in the creation of proposals for new governance arrangements for the City region.
2. To note, in particular, the provisional timescale for the development of revised constitutional arrangements for AGMA to facilitate the creation of the new Executive for Greater Manchester by April 2008.
3. To endorse the overall direction of travel established by AGMA and, in particular, the primacy being afforded to the development of a new Commission for Economic Development, Skills and Employment as a first priority for the city region in responding to the opportunities creation by the Sub National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration.
4. To agree, in principle, to the City Council’s involvement in the creation of a Multiple Area Agreement for Greater Manchester focused initially on key measures required to improve the performance of the city region in respect of Enterprise and Economic Growth, Skills and Employment.
(Councillor Leese declared a personal interest in this item as a member of AGMA Leaders)
Exe/07/128 Waste and Recycling
A report concerning waste and recycling was submitted.
Recycling performance in Manchester has increased significantly in recent years from 3% in 2003/4 to 20.6% in 2006/7. This is expected to improve further to about 22% in this year but is likely to remain static thereafter without further investment in promotions and new services.
The Council has committed to a 33% recycling rate by 2009/10 and also to reducing its waste growth.
By simply changing the current range of services, the Council could not meet this challenge. It needs to engage with the people of Manchester to find out what they need to help them change their own behaviour and attitudes and what services they need now and in the future to help them do that. The Council also needs to work with businesses and institutions to identify what they need in reducing in the amount of waste that is generated and in changing their business practices.
There are both financial and environmental imperatives to do this.
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Landfill tax will continue to escalate, currently at £8 per ton for the next three years, and the cost of waste collection and disposal to landfill will start to have a significant impact for business.
The aim must to be to build a consensus for change in which everybody residents, the Council and businesses have a part to play.
There are a range of proposals which will form the core of any consultation and discussion including; changes to frequencies and types of recycling collection, expansion of recycling facilities to high rise apartments, work with retailers on recycling and waste minimisation initiatives, compulsory recycling, expansion of green waste collections and incentives to residents and businesses for taking part in recycling schemes.
Action also needs to be taken in respect of waste minimisation where options include the establishment of a waste minimisation team to deal with waste reduction initiatives and the promotion of a plastic bag free Manchester.
All these issues will be raised with residents and businesses as part of the engagement process which will seek to explore what they feel the Council should provide in terms of facilities of services and the measures that the Council should place on them in return.
A centrepiece of the programme will be next year’s One Hundred Days campaign, which will have waste and recycling as its primary focus. A variety of consultation methods will be used and whilst existing resources and sponsorship opportunities will provide the primary financial contribution for this work, extra money will be needed to meet the cost of materials, design and production. It is crucial that this is an eye catching, high profile, energetic and engaging programme and we have agreed that an extra £200,000 should be provided to cover these costs. A specialist project team will be appointed to take the programme forward.
Decision
1. To authorise the Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Service in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment to develop detailed proposals for a programme of engagement on waste and recycling between November 2007 and April 2008.
2. To confirm that refuse collections will continue to be collected weekly and not decreased to a fortnightly collection.
3. To agree that in addition to applying available resources identified within existing revenue budgets and any income from sponsorship that can be obtained, a sum of 200k be allocated to the programme to meet the costs of consultation and engagement. The Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Services in consultation with the City Treasurer is authorised to agree a detailed proposal for the application of that budget.
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4. To agree on the development of a specialist project team to drive forward the Consensus building and consultation project, with further proposals regarding the establishment of this team agreed in consultation with the Chair of the Executive and Executive Members for Environment and Finance and Human Resource.
5. To agree that the main aim of the 100 days campaign for 2008 is to aim towards engaging Manchester’s residents and businesses towards a Greener and Cleaner City.
6. To agree that the Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Services submit a report to Executive at the end of the consultation period, detailing proposals for service improvement that result from the suggestions and ideas generated through the public engagement.
(Councillor Cowell declared a personal interest in this item)
Exe/07/129 Comprehensive Spending Review
A report concerning the Comprehensive Spending Review was submitted.
The Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 and Pre Budget report was published on 9th October.
Key announcements for local government in the review are:
• An increase in aggregate external revenue support grant and national non domestic rates funding of 4.2% in 2008/9, 3.5% in 2009/10 and 3.4% in 2010/11. This amounts in real terms to increases of 1.5%, 0.8% and 0.7%. The Government expects that this will enable local authorities to keep Council Tax increases to well below 5% in each of the next three years.
• At least £5b of former specific grant and Local Area Agreement ringfenced grant will be delivered in the form of general grants which are not ringfenced.
• By 2010/11, £900m previously paid through specific grants will be rolled out into RSG and at least £4.1b of grants will be paid through area based grant.
• LABGI funding of £50m is announced for 2009/10 and £100m in 2010/11 but no funding is outlined for 2008/9.
• A single set of priority outcomes for local government working alone or in partnership and a single set of 198 national indicators with no mandatory targets for LAA. All targets reflected in national priorities to a maximum of 35 will be negotiated through LAA.
The CSR has also confirmed ambitious targets for efficiency savings of 3% per annum, all cash releasing and totalling £30b across the public sector by 2010/11. Local government’s share of the target is £4.9b. A new improvement and efficiencies
Page 19 of 28 The Executive strategy will be developed between local and central government and published later this year.
Alongside the CSR, a white paper has been published with proposals for local authorities to bring in a supplementary business rate to support economic development. This, however, is no substitute for relocalisation of business rates. Only this would allow for local authorities to work with local businesses in setting a rate which meets the needs of their particular local economy.
Decision
1. To note the key outcomes of the 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review
2. To agree to receive further updates and analysis as further detail emerges on individual initiatives
Exe/07/130 Revenue Budget Monitoring 2007/08
A report concerning the Revenue Budget Monitoring 2007/08 was submitted.
We have received the latest budget monitoring report based on an assessment of spend to the end of August.
There is currently only one change to the planned resources to support the budget, the use of £280,000 of the capital fund to pay for work associated with delivery of the capital programme. These costs had been included within the approved capital programme but changes in the interpretation of what can and cannot be charged to capital means that revenue now needs to be made available.
The budget includes contingency provision of £7.885m. This is in the main set aside to meet specific but not yet quantified costs, but also contains an unallocated amount of £1.283m. Two requests for funding have been received for funding from contingency relating to increased AGMA charges and corporate subscription costs totalling £97,000 and costs of mainframe decommissioning and GIS at £265,000. We have agreed that these should be met from the unallocated contingency which will leave an amount of £721,000.
Decision
1. To note the contents of the report
2. To note that the City Treasurer will provide further progress reports to the Executive during the year
3. To agree that increased AGMA charges and corporate subscription costs totalling £97,000 and the costs for mainframe decommissioning and GIS budgeted for last year but falling in this year (£265,000) be met from the unallocated contingency sum as detailed in the report
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Exe/07/131 Capital Programme proposed increases
A report concerning the Capital Programme proposed increases was submitted.
We have considered proposals for additional capital expenditure which will increase the capital budget by £380,000 - £270,000 this year and £110,000 next year. This would be financed £110,000 by City Council resources and £270,000 from external grants.
One of the proposals requires approval by the city Council. This is for an increase in the costs of the drainage works at Blackley Cemetery, where land availability and capacity is greatly reduced because of waterlogged ground. There is £198,000 already in the budget and the Council is requested to approve an addition £110,000 to be funded from the Cemeteries Reserve Fund.
Decision
1. To recommend that the City Council approve:
(a) Environment & Operations – Blackley Cemetery Drainage: To increase the capital budget by £110,000 in 2008/09, funded by Cemeteries Reserve Fund.
2. To approve the following:
(a) Chief Executive’s Transport – Errwood Road Cycle Track Works: To increase the capital budget by £20,000 in 2007/08, funded by Sustrans grant.
(b) Chief Executive’s Regeneration – Cheetham District Centre: To increase the capital budget by £250,000 in 2007/08, funded by NRF grant.
3. To note a proposal to deliver the Mobile Working in Regulatory and Enforcement Services Programme, a part of which will require capital investment from the existing capital budget provision for Spend to Save in 2007/08.
Exe/07/132 Excluded Roads
A report concerning excluded roads was submitted.
When parking enforcement powers were transferred from the police to the local authority in 1999, the police took the view that trunk roads together with a number of
Page 21 of 28 The Executive other roads and roads around the airport were of such special importance that they should remain under their control.
The police have now confirmed that, with the exception of roads around the airport, they are able to pass the enforcement of parking restrictions on the other roads to the Council to manage.
The transfer will aid effective and consistent management of parking on the city’s roads. Penalty and other charges will be the same as for other roads.
Decision
1. To note that the Statutory Instrument has been made granting decriminalised parking enforcement powers to the City Council on the roads specified in Appendix 1 of the report, previously excluded from the Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area.
2. To agree to set the level of penalty and other additional charges in respect of decriminalised parking enforcement in relation to these roads as detailed at Appendix 2 of the report, and reaffirm that these levels of charges apply in respect of contraventions of on street and off street parking places orders waiting and loading restrictions etc throughout all areas of Manchester designated as Permitted Parking and Special Parking Areas.
3. To authorise the City Solicitor to advertise the level of penalty and other additional charges as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.
Exe/07/133 Access to affordable housing
A report concerning access to affordable housing was submitted.
Following approval of the strategy for affordable housing in July, the officers have been accelerating work in a number of key policy areas and have engaged with the Strategic Housing Partnership to develop a more complex and wide range of policy tools.
An interim access to affordable housing strategy policy document has been prepared which includes a number of strands to help improve access to housing across the city, in support of the Community Strategy Target of 60% owner occupation by 2015.
Other approaches include:
• Updating and extending the remit of Housing Choices to ensure that potential home owners approaching the scheme have access to information on products and services enabling them to secure a foot on the housing ladder.
• Working with leading funders and developers, including those already providing housing products in the market place to develop a range of more
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flexible accessible commercial products tailored to meet the city’s needs in providing new routes to home ownership.
• Reviewing the allocations policy to ensure that allocations make the best use of existing stock and contribute to the achievement of mixed communities.
• Amending the Empty Property Strategy to make sure it is fit for its purpose under current market conditions
• Ensuring that action is taken in response to the significant growth in the private rented sector so that property and management standards continue to rise through licensing, accreditation and enforcement action.
Work is also in place to enable the Council to take best advantage of proposals in the Government Green Paper for a significant increase in the scale of development of new homes in all sectors including the feasibility of bidding for new growth point and/or eco town status jointly with Salford.
A draft supplementary planning document and planning guidance has also been produced to assist developers and the Council to deliver additional affordable housing options. The document has been subject to informal consultation with the development industry and registered social landlords and we have agreed that formal consultation should now take place on the draft. This will start in early November for a period of six weeks. A further report will be brought back to the Executive, next spring setting out any major changes to the SPD/planning guidance following the formal consultation period and seeking formal adoption.
Decision
1. To note progress on developing the approach to access to affordable housing.
2. To delegate to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of Executive and the Executive Member for Environment, prior to the formal consultation, the approval of any amendments to be made to the draft Supplementary Planning Document and planning Guidance (Appendix 1) as a result of the informal consultation stage.
3. To approve in principle (subject to any amendments arising from recommendation 2), Providing for Housing Choice Supplementary Planning Document and Planning Guidance (Appendix 1) for the purposes of formal consultation.
4. To note that Officers have prepared an Interim Access to Housing Strategic Policy Document to inform action in relation to the provision of Affordable Housing as set out in Paragraph 2 of the report.
5. To request officers to use the consultation draft for the basis for negotiations with developers pending adoption, following formal consultation.
Page 23 of 28 The Executive Exe/07/134 Allocations Policy
A report concerning the Allocations Policy was submitted.
The City’s current allocations policy was developed in the mid 90’s, a time of generally low demand for social housing in Manchester. A new approach is now required if the Council is to continue to improve the housing offer to all of the city’s residents, particularly the most disadvantaged.
A review has been initiated by the Director of Housing in consultation with the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services. The key finding of this is that the current configuration of the priority system is broadly fit for purpose. There are, however, a number of enhancements to the allocation policy which are required to ensure that it continues to contribute to the Council’s Community Strategy whilst operating within the required legal frameworks. The majority of the policy changes being proposed are to the Community Connection Sub Group, which provides access to social housing for second generation tenants and for rehousing applicants actively contributing to their local communities. The amendments would extend the criteria to a) allow for rehousing to be made where this would enable primary school children of 11 years and under to remain in their current school, b) include young people who have completed a tenancy training course and are awarded an NVQ level 1 or equivalent, and c) reduce the positive residency requirement from 5 to 3 years.
Changes are also proposed to help encourage the take up of foster parenting and to broaden the current category of severe overcrowding for natural family growth to include applicants in private rented sector accommodation.
We have agreed these immediate amendments to the Allocations Policy but recognise that more radical intervention and increased investment may be required to tackle the impact of rising demand across all tenures and improve opportunities for Manchester residents to access affordable housing. Wider consultation is, therefore, proposed with both internal and external stakeholders, which will include replacement of the present Home Finders Service. Development of this through a wider Housing Options Service will be reported back to us at a future date.
Decision
1. To agree policy changes recommended within the report.
2. To note the progress made on reviewing and improving the process to date.
3. To note the next phase of the review and its links to delivering access to Affordable Housing.
Exe/07/135 Levenshulme Road, Gorton CPO
A report concerning the Levenshulme Road CPO was submitted.
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Proposals have been developed for a compulsory purchase order on a cleared area of land, which was formerly the site of a row of derelict shops at 40 – 52 Levenshulme Road. The cleared site is in the midst of a residential area consisting mainly of social housing, with Mellands Court to the North and housing owned and managed by the Williams Sutton Housing Association to the south and west. This latter estate has benefited from a major investment programme including selected demolition and new build. To the east of the order lands is a mix of relatively modern city Council owned properties and some privately owned 1930’s semi detached houses.
The site has the potential to become a focal gathering point for local youths and anti social behaviour. Without some form of positive intervention it will deteriorate over time and become increasingly unsightly. Given the fragmented ownership of the land, there is no realistic possibility of bringing about improvements to the environment without the use of compulsory purchase powers.
William Sutton Housing Association has formulated plans to develop housing on the vacant site and has been granted planning permission to build 8 three bedroomed houses with associated car parking and landscaping. The new family residences will provide an improved mix of housing opportunity, in the context of the existing number of social housing units for rent.
Consultations have shown local support for the proposals, which will help secure the longer term sustainability of the area.
Despite concerted attempts over the past three years the Housing Association has been unable to acquire the site by agreement and in view of its disparate and unknown ownership we have agreed that compulsory purchase powers should be used to ensure that the land can be acquired.
Decision
1. To authorise the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 to acquire the site of the former shops 40 – 52 Levenshulme Road, Gorton, for housing purposes as shown on the plan at Appendix 1.
2. To formally declare the area shown on the plan at Appendix 1 to be the City of Manchester (40 – 52 Levenshulme Road, Gorton) Compulsory Purchase Order 2007.
3. To authorise the Director of Housing and/or the City Solicitor to make deletions from, and/or minor amendments, and modifications to the proposed Order and Order Plan or to agree to refrain from vesting any land included within the Order should this be in their opinion appropriate.
4. To authorise the City Solicitor to seal the Order and to take all necessary steps, including the publication of all statutory notices, to secure confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the vesting of the land in the City Council.
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5. To authorise the Director of Housing (in the event that the Secretary of State notifies the Council that it has been given the power to confirm the Order) to confirm the Order, if she is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so.
6. To authorise the Head of Valuation and Property Services in consultation with the Director of Housing to negotiate the purchase of the Order Lands by agreement prior to the confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order and the coming into force of any General Vesting Declaration and that any request for purchase in advance of the Compulsory Purchase Order from the landowner be dealt with expeditiously.
7. To authorise the Head of Valuation and Property Services to thereafter dispose of the land according to the terms of an Agreement to be agreed between Manchester City Council and William Sutton Housing Association (part of the Affinity Sutton Group) or such other agreement as will facilitate the development of the Order Lands in accordance with the scheme outlined in this report.
8. To authorise the Director of Housing to prioritise bids for Social Housing Grant from the Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Programme to support the reprovision of properties within the development by an approved Registered Social Landlord.
9. To authorise the Head of Engineering Services to take all necessary steps to secure the closure of all relevant streets and passages, if requested by the Director of Housing.
(Councillors Battle, Leese, and Swannick declared a personal interest in this item as Board members of NEM)
Exe/07/136 Levenshulme Road, Gorton CPO (Press and Public excluded)
A report concerning the financial implications of the proposed Levenshulme Road CPO was submitted.
Decision
1. To exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of this report on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
2. To agree that the resources of the City Council are sufficient to carry out the duties resulting from the making of the City of Manchester (40 – 52 Levenshulme Road, Gorton) Compulsory Purchase Order 2007, as contained in the report elsewhere on Part A of this agenda
3. To agree to the onward sale of the Order Lands to William Sutton Housing Association or such other person as they may nominate at the best
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consideration reasonably obtainable for the purpose for which planning permission 079808/FO/2006/N” was granted on 28th March 2007.
(Councillors Battle, Leese and Swannick declared a personal interest in this item as Board members of NEM)
Exe/07/137 Gorton Monastery (Press and Public excluded)
A report concerning Gorton Monastery was submitted.
The Monastery of St Francis in Gorton Trust is an independent charitable trust. It was formed in 1996 with the aim of restoring the derelict monastery in Gorton and bringing it back into new viable uses in order to sustain its longer term future and for it to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.
The Trust secured over £6.5m of investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, ERDF and North West Development Association and English Heritage. The restoration works have been ongoing for the last two years and have now reached practical completion. In order to sustain the investment, plans have been put in train by the Trust to establish it as a visitor attraction and conference facility. The aim is to establish the monastery as a key cultural venue.
There is a very strong strategic case for realising the sustainable ongoing operations of the monastery venue, which provides a highly visible symbol of regeneration to the people of the local area. The venue supports the Community Strategy’s aims of enhancing the cultural economy and the sustainable operation of the venue will provide local employment in the catering and events sector. In order to support the initial period of the Monastery’s operation we have passed the following resolutions for the reasons set out in the report.
Decision
1. To exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of this item on the grounds that maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
2. To resolve that the proposal to provide The Monastery Manchester Ltd with financial assistance as described in report is in the interests of promoting the social, economic or environmental well-being of the area
3. To approve the provision of a interest bearing loan facility to Monastery Manchester Ltd of up to £225,000
4. To make a recommendation to Council approve an increase to the Capital Programme of £225,000 in order to fund the advance from the Capital Fund
5. To authorise the City Treasurer, in consultation with the City Solicitor and Chair of The Executive, to give effect to the recommendations in this report.
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6. To note the steps, set out in the report, that the City Council will put in place to minimise the risks associated with the provision of the financial support to the Monastery Manchester Ltd.
7. To delegate to the Chief Executive the authority to nominate a suitably qualified officer of the Council to be a director of The Monastery Manchester Ltd.
(Councillors Leese, S Murphy, and Pearcey declared a personal interest in this item as Friends of Gorton Monastery)
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