Last night was the regular meeting of the Executive Committee. This is the Committee that brings together all nine of the Executive members from the ruling (Conservative) group. Myself and the leader of the Labour group attend as observers.
TIF Bid Referendum
The main item was probably the agreement to proceed with a referendum on the TIF (Transport Innovation Fund) Bid for Greater Manchester (the congestion charge). The ten authorities of Greater Manchester have agreed to hold a referendum across the county. This will be by postal ballot, of everyone on the electoral register. Ballot papers must be returned by 11 December 2008.
All ten authorities have agreed to be bound by the result in their borough - ie if voters in Bury vote “no”, then that is how Bury will vote when it comes to the decision. Decisions in Greater Manchester have to be made with the agreement of at least seven of the ten authorities, so if seven boroughs vote in favour, then its happening.
I clarified that the other nine leaders had all given the same undertaken that our Council Leader had - to be bound by the results of the referendum - apparently they have. I also asked about the money being spent (taxpayers money) on “promoting” the scheme. Apparently around £3 million will be spent by AGMA or the Passenger Transport Authority to promote the scheme. I’m not sure if this is “fair” democracy at its best, but I’m sure the voters will make an intelligent decision.
Pimhole Renwal Area
We also agreed to extend the work on the Pimhole Renewal Area in East Bury for a further five years to 2013. The renewal area project has been improving the area with a mixture of environmental, housing and business improvements.
Corporate Financial Report
The Executive Committee received a report on the Council’s finances. Basically there is an overspend in Adult Services, but this is largely offset by underspends in other areas and through a good performance on the Council’s financial management (e.g. borrowing and investment). I asked about the continuing delays to schemes in the capital programme as some schemes seem to continue to slip into future years. Of particular concern here is the Radcliffe Riverside school project.
Copies of all papers are http://burydem.bury.gov.uk/aksbury/users/public/admin/kab14.pl?operation=SUBMIT&meet=102&cmte=CAB&grpid=public&arc=71. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
Tim
