Just before Christmas I was able to meet with staff from both the Council and NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for an update on mental health services for children and young people (historically referred to as CAMHS – Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services). This followed on from a written question at the last […]

This week the Government published a consultation on Waste Strategy, which has been criticised for its lack of ambition. The strategy aims to: – Introduce a tax on single use plastic with less than 30% recycled content. – Consider banning plastic packaging where there are alternatives. – Legislate to allow government to specify a core […]

Bury’s final ‘Full Council’ of the year took place at the end of November. This is the meeting, normally six times a year, where all 51 Bury Councillors meet to undertake some of the important functions of the authority. Gambling Policy Every few years local authorities have to publish a ‘Gambling Policy’, which was agreed […]

At the most recent full meeting of Bury Council, the Liberal Democrat group of councillors were successful in getting the whole Council to sign up to a principle of building future homes which are ‘fit for the future’. Recently the Government has announced a relaxation of the restrictions on Councils which will hopefully mean that […]

Last week was the meeting of Bury Council’s Cabinet, and earlier this week the meeting of the Council’s Audit Committee. Both meetings considered the mid-year financial report for the Council which raise some very concerning issues. Councillor Tim Pickstone was at the Cabinet, Councillor Steve Wright was at the Audit Committee: Both meetings heard that […]

A pilot Metrolink offer launched on Monday. These ‘Early Bird’ products are aiming to reduce congestion by encouraging travel at times where there is less overcrowding. The reduced prices are available every weekday until Christmas Eve but only on the ‘Get Me There’ smartphone app and must be purchased before 7am. There are two options: […]

Last week was the regular meeting of the Greater Manchester Corporate Issues and Reform Scrutiny Committee. Prestwich Councillor Tim Pickstone represents Bury on the Committee: This months meeting focussed on three issues: Kerslake Report Implementation Following the Manchester Arena attack, an Independent Review of the events and aftermath of the attack was conducted by five […]

This Sunday, 11 November 2018,  the parade for remembrance will  leave from the back of the Longfield Suite at 10.40 to arrive approximately at 10.50 at the Cenotaph (junction of Rectory Lane and St Mary’s Road). After the ceremony there will be a further brief ceremony where an oak tree will be planted in St […]

Just to report back on some of the questions that the Liberal Democrat team of Councillors on Bury Council asked at the last Full meeting. Please let us know if you have any comments or ideas for questions in the future. Greater Manchester Spatial Framework There had been significant concern in local councils across Greater […]

Commenting on the Government announcement that it will consult on greater transparency on parental pay, Jo Swinson, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “I am delighted that the Government will be consulting on putting my parental pay transparency bill into law. “This is a simple regulatory change with great benefits for employers, employees and […]