Cabinet approved several key initiatives, including the redevelopment of The Elms in Whitefield, the Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation's operational arrangements, and the disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park for residential development. The meeting also saw the approval of significant capital investment programmes for HRA major refurbishments, carbon reduction measures, and the A Bed Every Night initiative to support rough sleepers. Additionally, decisions were made regarding the award of contracts for EV charging infrastructure and the Care at Home service, alongside the acceptance of a Department for Transport grant for the Bury to Bolton Active Travel Corridor. The Cabinet also reviewed the Corporate Plan's Quarter 1 performance and the Council's financial position.

Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation Update

Cabinet approved the operational arrangements, costs, and cost-sharing approach for the Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). Rochdale Council will host the MDC, with Bury Council acting as a partner authority. Costs will be shared equally, supported by a GMCA grant of up to £300,000 per year for three years and an interest-free loan of up to £877,000 to Bury Council. Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of the Council, highlighted the project's significance for economic growth and job creation across Bury, Rochdale, and the wider Greater Manchester area. Councillor Dene Vernon and Councillor Shabir Rydhead sought clarification on loan repayment triggers and potential legal liabilities, receiving assurances that safeguards are in place and work is ongoing.

Redevelopment of The Elms, Whitefield

Cabinet approved the principle of directly delivering a social housing scheme at The Elms in Whitefield, a disused brownfield site. This marks a shift from the original plan to dispose of the site, driven by updated feasibility studies and policy directives favouring direct delivery to retain stock under council control. The project aims to develop approximately 16 one-bedroom social rented apartments for older residents, funded by Right to Buy receipts, affordable housing commuted sums, and Homes England grants. Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, emphasised the benefits of retaining control, generating HRA revenue, and meeting community needs, particularly for older people. Councillor Rydhead questioned the impact on housing allocations under the Places for Everyone plan, with Councillor Morris clarifying that this development contributes to the brownfield first pledge and is not intended to offset Greenbelt allocations. Cabinet also authorised the procurement of a multidisciplinary design team to assess the scheme's viability.

Disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park - Part A

Cabinet approved the disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park to Watson Construction Ltd for residential development. Pyramid Park, a 7.4-acre brownfield site, has received £1.73 million in grant funding from the Department for Transport's Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2) to support remediation works, which are currently underway. Watson Construction Ltd was selected as the preferred bidder through a competitive flexible procedure, proposing a mixed-tenure, intergenerational housing development of approximately 138 units at Pyramid Park and 77 apartments at Q-Park. Councillor Morris highlighted the opportunity to deliver much-needed housing, support local businesses, and incorporate social value initiatives, such as working with Bury College to provide opportunities for young people. Councillor Birchmore raised questions about the percentage of affordable housing and the ecology of the site, receiving assurances that the scheme would be planning compliant and that ecological value would be enhanced. Cabinet delegated authority for the award of contractual documents and the disposal terms to relevant officers and Cabinet Members.

Annual Complaints Performance and Learning Report 2025/26

Cabinet approved the Annual Complaints Performance and Learning Report for 2025/26 and the self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code for publication and submission to the Housing Ombudsman Service. Councillor Ayesha Arif, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, noted that while complaints had increased, this indicated greater resident engagement and a more transparent handling system. The report showed a significant improvement in Stage 1 complaint resolution rates, rising from 50% to 71%. Key issues raised included communication delays and inconsistent policy application. In response, the council has strengthened its complaints team, enhanced oversight, and improved staff training. Councillor Rydhead sought further details on the training provided and process streamlining, receiving a comprehensive explanation from officers regarding staff training, record-keeping improvements, and updates to the housing management system. Councillor Birchmore raised concerns about the low percentage of tenants finding the service easy to deal with, which was linked to complaints not being upheld.

HRA Capital Investment Programme 2026.2027 Major Refurbishment Works - Heating and Hot Water

Cabinet approved recommendations for the HRA Capital Investment Programme concerning major refurbishment works for heating and hot water. This programme will replace aging boilers in council homes, aiming to improve reliability, energy efficiency, and reduce tenant energy bills. Councillor Arif presented the report, seeking approval for contract awards totalling approximately £1.8 million, to be delivered by Axis Europe Limited and British Gas Social Housing Limited through the Procurement for Housing (PfH) Framework. Councillor Birchmore inquired about the hydrogen compatibility of the new boilers, with officers promising to provide a definitive answer. Councillor Rydhead sought clarification on the number of boilers to be replaced, which was confirmed as part of the report's figures.

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

Cabinet approved contract awards for the HRA Capital Investment Programme focusing on sustainability improvement measures, with an initial phase of contracts worth over £5 million. This programme will retrofit approximately 335 homes across various estates, incorporating measures like insulation, improved ventilation, new windows and doors, and solar panels where appropriate. Councillor Arif highlighted that these improvements are expected to save tenants around £299 annually on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. Councillor Birchmore raised a technical question about battery storage for solar panels and potential fire risks, receiving reassurance that batteries would not be stored in roof spaces.

A Bed Every Night (ABEN)

Cabinet approved the extension of the A Bed Every Night (ABEN) contract with Adullam Homes Housing Association Limited for a further 12 months, commencing April 2026, with an estimated value of £335,732. This extension is necessary to maintain continuity of provision while a new procurement exercise is undertaken for the period April 2027 to March 2029, with an estimated initial contract value of £708,799. Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, explained that the ABEN programme is crucial for providing safe accommodation and support to individuals experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping, noting an increase in complex needs and housing pressures. Councillor Vernon raised concerns about the low engagement rate with rough sleepers, prompting Councillor Arif to explain that while outreach is made to all identified individuals, engagement is voluntary, and other solutions are offered. Councillor Birchmore inquired about the funding for winter provision, which was confirmed as being funded separately.

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

Cabinet approved the delegation of authority to 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. This decision is part of a legally required re-tender process under the Procurement Act 2023, aiming to ensure high standards, clearer KPIs, and innovation in the service, which supports approximately 700 people daily with an annual spend of around £12.4 million. Councillor Tariq emphasised that the recommissioning would not change current care arrangements but would strengthen the service to promote independence and value for money. Councillor Rydhead sought clarification on protections against significant cost increases from the estimated contract value, receiving assurances from the Director of Adult Care regarding robust internal governance and monthly monitoring processes.

Award of EVCI GM Contract to Install EV Chargepoints Throughout Bury

Cabinet approved the recommendation for Bury Metropolitan Borough Council to participate in the award of the Great Manchester Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Concession Contract. This contract will facilitate the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the borough. Councillor Lucy Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations, presented the report, noting that the agreement is market-rate based. Councillor Birchmore raised concerns about electricity capacity and potential overnight tariffs, with officers confirming ongoing discussions with the supplier to secure competitive rates and noting that the 20-year contract allows for flexibility as energy needs evolve.

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

Cabinet approved the acceptance of a £553,000 grant from the Department for Transport, administered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, for the Bury to Bolton Active Travel Corridor Scheme. Councillor Smith explained that the scheme will upgrade the existing off-highway route, improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity between Bury and Bolton, and contributing to the National Cycle Network. Councillor Vernon expressed hope that the funding would also support maintenance of existing sections of the Greenway, while Councillor Rydhead sought clarification on a potential omission in the report, which was noted for follow-up. Councillor Smith confirmed that the funding is for upgrades and improvements to the existing infrastructure.

Corporate Plan Quarter 1 2026-27 Performance & Delivery

Cabinet noted the Quarter 1 performance report for the 2026-27 Corporate Plan, which indicated a positive start with 18 out of 31 objectives on track, 12 progressing with mitigating actions, and one identified as a potential risk. Councillor Sean Thorpe, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, highlighted visible progress across regeneration, planning, neighbourhood working, and organisational improvement. Councillor Smith noted positive developments in waste strategy and recycling, while Councillor Rydhead inquired about Objective 19's amber rating concerning neighbourhood working and children's services. Will Blandamer provided clarification, explaining the amber rating was due to a slight delay in teams moving into the new Live Well Centre, not a lack of progress.

Finance Q1

Cabinet noted the Quarter 1 financial position for 2026/27, which indicated a forecast General Fund revenue overspend of £5.691 million (2.26% of the net revenue budget). Councillor Thorpe highlighted that a significant portion of this overspend (£4.7 million) relates to Health and Adult Social Care and Children and Young People's services, attributing this to national pressures and spiralling costs for complex cases. He stressed the need for more radical solutions due to dwindling reserves and the unsustainable current financing model. Councillor Rydhead commended the thoroughness of the report presented at scrutiny, and Councillor Birchmore welcomed the potential move to bring some housing maintenance in-house for greater control and job creation. Cabinet approved recommendations for additional prudential borrowing for the Capital Programme and HRA.

2025/26 Treasury Outturn Report

Cabinet noted the 2025/26 Treasury Management Outturn Report and Prudential and Treasury Indicators. Councillor Thorpe presented the report, highlighting the impact of geopolitical events on financial markets, including rising fuel and commodity prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. He noted that the Council had met all its Prudential Indicators for Treasury Management during the financial year. The report detailed borrowing and investment activity, including the rescheduling of some PWLB loans which resulted in an overall improvement to the Authority's borrowing position.

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

Cabinet noted the minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting held on 26 June 2026.

The meeting then moved to Part B items, excluding the press and public.

Decisions Made:

• Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation Update: Recommendations Approved.
• Redevelopment of The Elms, Whitefield: Recommendations Approved.
• Disposal of Pyramid Park and Q-Park - Part A: Recommendations Approved.
• Annual Complaints Performance and Learning Report 2025/26 and Self-Assessment Against the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code: Recommendations Approved.
• HRA Capital Investment Programme 2026.2027 Major Refurbishment Works - Heating and Hot Water: Recommendations Approved.
• Contract Awards in Respect of the HRA Capital Investment Programme 2026/27 and Carbon Reduction - Sustainability Improvement Measures: Recommendations Approved.
• A Bed Every Night (ABEN): Recommendations Approved.
• Care at Home - Request to Delegate the Authority to Contract Awards: Recommendations Approved.
• Award of EVCI GM Contract to Install EV Chargepoints Throughout Bury: Recommendations Approved.
• 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: Recommendations Approved.
• Corporate Plan Quarter 1 2026-27 Performance & Delivery: Recommendations Approved.
• Finance Q1: Recommendations Approved.