The Council is scheduled to consider recommendations from its various committees, including proposed changes to the Housing Advisory Board's terms of reference and updated financial procedure rules. A significant item on the agenda is the implementation of a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions, which will require amendments to the Council's constitution.

Housing Advisory Board Terms of Reference

The Council is scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Housing Advisory Board (HAB). These changes aim to strengthen the board's purpose and make its role and functions clearer and more robust. The proposed revisions include overhauling the purpose and role of the HAB, detailing the areas it will cover, and refining membership and meeting arrangements. The report from Sian Grant, Director of Housing, outlines these proposed changes, which, if approved by the HAB, will be presented to the Council for final approval. The amended terms of reference are intended to ensure that the tenant voice is heard at a strategic and decision-making level within housing services.

Financial Procedure Rules and Scheme of Delegation

The Audit Committee's recommendations regarding updated Financial Procedure Rules and the Scheme of Delegation are scheduled for consideration. These revisions are part of the Council's Finance Transformation Programme, designed to address longstanding issues and improve efficiency. The updated rules and scheme aim to reflect new ways of operating, including changes to purchasing goods and services, approvals linked to the organisation's hierarchy, and measures to limit in-year budget virements. The report from the S.151 Officer details these changes, which are intended to support budget holders and ensure robust financial management and control across the Council.

The National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Decision Making

A key item on the agenda is the implementation of the National Scheme of Delegation for the determination of planning applications, as introduced by The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These regulations, which come into force on 31st October 2026, mandate a national framework for how planning functions are discharged. The report from the Head of Development Management explains that these changes will require the Council to update its Constitution, Planning Scheme of Delegation, and associated Planning Control Committee procedures. The regulations will introduce a national scheme that dictates which planning applications must be decided by officers and which may be referred to committee, with a maximum committee size of 13 members. The Council has no discretion in implementing these national changes, and decisions taken after the regulations come into force must comply with them to avoid being considered unlawful. The formal decision to amend the Constitution will be made by Full Council.

Leader's Statement and Cabinet Question Time

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, is scheduled to provide a statement on the work of the Cabinet. This will be followed by a question and answer session where Councillors can ask written and verbal questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members on matters affecting the Borough.

Combined Authority Report and Questions

An update report on the activities of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will be presented for information. This will be followed by an opportunity for Councillors to ask questions regarding the work of the Combined Authority. The report highlights upcoming key decisions by the GMCA, Mayor, and various committees, covering areas such as the Green City Region, Transport, Resources and Investment, Housing First, Economy, Innovation, Culture & International, Technical Education & Skills, Safer and Stronger Communities, Digitally Connected Places and People, Everyday Support in Every Neighbourhood, and Equalities and Communities. Updates from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Recycle for Greater Manchester are also included, detailing changes to bus services, free bus travel for young people, pothole repair funding, and recycling initiatives.

Notices of Motion

Several Notices of Motion are scheduled for consideration:

• Treatment and reducing the significant spread of giant hogweed: This motion calls for a coordinated approach to identify, treat, and eradicate giant hogweed on council land and to raise public awareness of its dangers.
• Building a Care System That Works: Bury Council and the National Conversation on Care: This motion welcomes the cross-party approach to fixing the social care system and commits the Council to supporting the Big Conversation on Care initiative, encouraging local participation and sharing data and case studies.
• Protecting Bury's Hospitality Sector – Opposing the Greater Manchester Overnight Visitor Levy: This motion formally opposes the introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy in Bury, calling for a Bury-specific economic impact assessment and meaningful engagement with local businesses and residents. It also calls for a fair share of any revenue raised to be retained and reinvested in Bury.
• Zero Tolerance on Dodgy Shops: This motion calls for a Zero Tolerance approach to illicit trading, focusing on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, and the use of all available powers to tackle businesses engaged in unlawful activity.
• Endometriosis Friendly Employer Status: This motion proposes that the Council formally apply to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, committing to raising awareness, supporting staff, and promoting an inclusive working environment.
• Castle Armoury: This motion reaffirms the Council's commitment to Bury's cultural assets and military history, calling for the reopening of Bury Castle Armoury as a community museum or cultural centre and seeking support for its repair and reopening.

Urgent Decision – Multiple Posts for Best Start Family Hub Guidance

An urgent decision taken in August regarding the establishment of fixed-term posts funded through the Best Start Family Hub Development Grant will be noted. This includes approving the creation of various Early Years and Family Hub roles, funded by the Department for Education. The decision was deemed urgent due to the risk of impacting programme delivery and grant conditions if delayed.