The Cabinet of Bury Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues, including updates on the Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation, the redevelopment of The Elms in Whitefield, and the disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park. The meeting also covered the annual complaints performance report for Housing Services, the HRA Capital Investment Programme, and plans for installing electric vehicle chargepoints across Bury.

Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation Update

A report was presented regarding the Atom Valley Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), established in January 2026. The MDC aims to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and deliver new homes and infrastructure. The discussion was scheduled to cover the operational arrangements for hosting the MDC in Rochdale, its associated operating costs, and how these costs will be shared and funded among partners. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has offered grant funding and an interest-free loan to support Bury Council's contribution.

Redevelopment of The Elms, Whitefield

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider proposals for the redevelopment of The Elms, a disused council-owned brownfield site in Whitefield. The report outlined a potential shift from the original plan to dispose of the site to a strategic delivery partner, towards the Council directly delivering an independent living scheme for residents aged 55 and over. This change in strategy is influenced by increased Homes England grant levels and the availability of additional funding. The Council was to be asked to approve the procurement of a multidisciplinary design team to conduct a detailed feasibility study and design development.

Disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park - Part A

Proposals for the disposal of the council-owned brownfield sites at Pyramid Park and Q-Park were on the agenda. These sites, located on the edge of Bury town centre, are identified for residential development. The report detailed the securing of £1.73 million in grant funding from the Government's Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2) programme for Pyramid Park, which has enabled land remediation works. The discussion was expected to cover the disposal of both sites to Watson Construction Ltd, the preferred bidder, to facilitate a mixed-typology, inter-generational housing development.

Annual Complaints Performance and Learning Report 2025/26 and Self-Assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code

This report was scheduled to present Bury Council Housing Services' Annual Complaints Performance and Learning Report for 2025/26, along with a self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code. This is a requirement for social landlords to ensure fair and effective complaint handling. The report was expected to detail complaint volumes, performance against timescales, outcomes, learning from complaints, and service improvements. The self-assessment indicated full compliance with the Code.

HRA Capital Investment Programme 2026/2027 Major Refurbishment Works - Heating and Hot Water

Cabinet was asked to approve contract awards for the Gas boiler replacement programme as part of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment Programme for 2026/27. A budget of £2,015,000 was approved for these works. Tender prices were sought through the Procurement for Housing (PfH) Framework, with Axis Europe Limited and British Gas Social Housing Limited identified as the highest-ranked contractors. The anticipated combined contract value was approximately £1.8 million.

Contract Awards in Respect of the HRA Capital Investment Programme 2026/27 and Carbon Reduction - Sustainability Improvement Measures

This item concerned contract awards for carbon reduction schemes within the HRA Capital Investment Programme 2026/27, with a budget of £5.6 million allocated for Sustainability Improvement Measures. The report sought approval for an extension to the existing contract with A. Connolly Limited for works at the Bent Hill estate, and a new contract award to Next Energy Solutions Ltd for works at various estates including Goshen Estate, Knowles St Estate, and Sumner Avenue Estate. These measures aim to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2030 and reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

A Bed Every Night (ABEN )

The Cabinet was asked to approve an extension to the current A Bed Every Night (ABEN) contract with Adullam Homes Housing Association Limited for a further 12 months. This extension is intended to maintain service continuity while the Council re-procures the ABEN provision to reduce rough sleeping. The report detailed the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA) grant funding for the continuation of ABEN delivery and outlined the proposed contract value for the extension and the subsequent new contract.

Care at Home - Request to Delegate the Authority to Contract Awards

This report sought approval to delegate the authority for contract awards for the Care at Home service to the Director of Adult Social Services and Community Commissioning and the Executive Director of Health and Adult Care. The Council is undertaking a re-tender process for this service, which supports vulnerable people with assessed needs under the Care Act 2014. The process is being conducted in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, with a new 5-year contract planned, plus an option to extend for a further 2 years.

Award of EVCI GM Contract to Install EV Chargepoints Throughout Bury

Cabinet was asked to approve Bury Metropolitan Borough Council allowing Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to proceed with contract award to a preferred supplier for the installation of electric vehicle chargepoints across Bury. This follows a detailed procurement process undertaken by TfGM on behalf of all Greater Manchester local authorities under the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme. The report indicated that a competitive and transparent process had been completed, with a preferred supplier identified as the highest-scoring bidder.

Approval of Accepting the Department for Transport Grant for the Development of the 15112 Bury to Bolton Active Travel Corridor Scheme (Spenfold Lane Bridleway) with Approval to Award the Delivery Contract

Formal approval was sought to accept a grant from the Department for Transport (DfT), administered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (WWCT), for the 15112 Bury to Bolton Active Travel Corridor Scheme. The scheme aims to improve the existing off-highway route between Ainsworth Road and Bolton Road, creating a safer and more accessible active travel link. The total grant value is £553,000, fully funded by the DfT. Approval was also requested to enter into a Sub-Grant agreement and authorise legal to finalise contract documents.

Corporate Plan Quarter 1 2026-27 Performance & Delivery

This report provided an overview of progress against the Council's Corporate Plan for Quarter 1 (April to June 2026). It indicated a positive start to the year, with most objectives on track or progressing with mitigating actions. The report highlighted visible delivery across regeneration schemes, active travel infrastructure, and community wellbeing programmes, while also noting ongoing pressures in areas such as housing demand and workforce wellbeing.

Finance Q1

This report presented the Council's forecast Quarter 1 position for the General Fund revenue and capital budgets, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The General Fund forecast indicated an overspend of £5.691m, with significant pressures in Health and Adult Care and Children and Young People services. The report also detailed the savings programme, the reserves position, and amendments to the Capital Programme.

2025/26 Treasury Outturn Report

This report outlined the financial position and provided an update on the Council's treasury management activities throughout the 2025/26 financial year. It covered economic updates, the Council's treasury management position, borrowing and investment activity, treasury performance, and prudential indicators. The report noted that the Council met all its Prudential Indicators relating to Treasury Management in 2025/26.

Minutes of Association of Greater Manchester Authorities / Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the minutes of meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 26 June 2026. These minutes would provide an update on regional governance and strategic decisions.

Urgent Business

Any other business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair agreed could be considered as a matter of urgency.

Exclusion of Press and Public

A resolution was to be considered under Section 100 (A)(4), Schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the press and public from the meeting for specific agenda items involving the disclosure of exempt information.

Disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park - Part B

This was a continuation of agenda item 8, likely to discuss exempt information related to the disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park.

Award of EVCI GM Contract to Install EV Chargepoints Throughout Bury - Part B

This was a continuation of agenda item 14, likely to discuss exempt information related to the award of the EVCI GM contract.