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Cabinet - Wednesday, 14th October, 2026 6.00 pm
October 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Cabinet of Bury Council met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, discussing a range of significant issues including the proposed disposal of public open space at Milton Road, Radcliffe, and the development of a new Ash Grove Alternative Provision Academy. Key discussions were held regarding the council's housing allocations policy, the adoption of a new shareholder agreement for Persona, and the draft 2027/28 budget.
Milton Road Field Disposal and Ash Grove Academy
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed disposal of public open space at Milton Road Fields in Radcliffe, intended for the development of the Ash Grove Alternative Provision (AP) Academy. Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report on the Ash Grove Academy, outlining the urgent need for a permanent facility for up to 136 pupils, replacing temporary arrangements and addressing shortcomings identified in a SEND local area inspection. The proposed site at Milton Road was identified as the preferred location after other sites were deemed unsuitable due to size, contamination, or impact on existing community assets. The project has an estimated budget of £17 million, with funding to be sourced from a combination of basic needs grants, capital receipts, and prudential borrowing.
However, the proposed disposal of Milton Road Fields itself, a public open space, faced considerable opposition. Councillor Carol Birchmore, Leader of Radcliffe First, raised numerous questions regarding the consultation process, the presence of education department representatives at a consultation ostensibly about land disposal, and the lack of detailed analysis of resident feedback. Councillor Jack Rydeheard, Reform Leader, and Councillor Dene Vernon, Together for Bury Leader, also questioned the expediency of the process and the consideration given to the loss of green space, particularly in an area with high crime rates and limited private gardens. Numerous objections were submitted, citing concerns about the loss of a vital community asset, potential harm to health and wellbeing, safety issues due to the area's high crime rate, and the unsuitability of the site for a PRU. Objections also highlighted the site's designation for recreation provision in the Local Plan and the potential for ground instability due to historical mining. Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, acknowledged the concerns but stressed that the current report was about the principle of disposal, with future use to be determined through the planning application process. The Cabinet considered the progression of the Ash Grove AP Academy project, including the use of the Milton Road site, the submission of designs for planning approval, and the £17 million project budget. The decision on the disposal of Milton Road Fields was subject to further scrutiny.
Housing Allocations Policy and Persona Shareholder Agreement
Cabinet considered amendments to Bury Council's Housing Allocations Policy, which would introduce a mechanism to support long-serving council employees who live in service accommodation and must leave upon retirement, allowing for direct lets to prevent homelessness. Additionally, discretion for the Director of Housing to approve direct lets in exceptional circumstances was to be expanded. Councillor Ayesha Arif, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, presented the report, emphasizing that these were minor but important amendments to ensure fairness and responsiveness. The Cabinet also considered the adoption of a new Persona Shareholder Agreement (Part A). Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, explained that the new agreement updates the existing 2015 framework to reflect Persona's maturity and future ambitions, providing greater flexibility for growth and innovation while maintaining council oversight.
Budget and Financial Matters
Councillor Sean Thorpe, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented the draft 2027/28 Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The report highlighted a significant budget gap of £9.585 million for 2027/28, rising to a cumulative £17.508 million by 2029/30, even after identifying £17.451 million in new savings proposals. Cabinet considered the updated MTFS and draft budget as the basis for consultation, which would include proposals for a 4.99% Council Tax increase in 2027/28 (2.99% general and 2.0% for adult social care). The report also noted the depletion of reserves and the need to explore Exceptional Financial Support with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Councillor Thorpe emphasized that this was not a bailout request but a request for flexibility within existing legislation. Councillor Carol Birchmore raised concerns about missing costings in some proposals and the need for more detailed breakdowns, while Councillor Jack Rydeheard questioned the expediency of the process and the potential impact of budget factors on delivery timescales. Cabinet considered the use of flexible capital receipts or borrowing to fund eligible severance and transformation costs.
Other Key Decisions
Cabinet considered a new 10-year occupational lease for Units 6B and 6C at Bridge Trading Estate for Bury Adult Care Equipment Services, to ensure the continuity of this essential service. Councillor Tamoor Tariq highlighted the importance of the service in supporting residents to remain safe and independent at home.
The Cabinet also considered the proposal to transition to an end-to-end Greater Manchester Fostering Hub, hosted by Rochdale Council, to improve recruitment, assessment, and approval of foster carers. Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, noted the potential benefits for children in care and the alignment with national policy.
Furthermore, Cabinet considered Bury's implementation approach to the National Families First Partnership Programme, aiming to enhance early intervention, multi-agency safeguarding, and family involvement in decision-making, supported by significant grant funding. Councillor Walmsley presented this, emphasizing its role in strengthening the council's existing Family Safeguarding model.
Investment in highway maintenance was considered with a £12.9 million Highways Capital Programme for 2026/27, funded through various sources including the Mayor's Pothole Fund. Councillor Lucy Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations, presented the programme, which prioritizes resurfacing, preventative maintenance, and structural repairs.
The Live Well programme's Year 2 and Year 3 funding of £676,000 per year was considered, with half allocated to the Bury Voluntary and Community Faith Alliance (VCFA) to support community capacity and the establishment of Live Well centres. Councillor Tariq welcomed the progress, particularly the transformation of the former Ark building in Whitefield into a vibrant community hub.
Cabinet considered the adoption of a new Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 2027-2030, presented by Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion, which aims to provide a clear framework for preventing, investigating, and responding to ASB.
Decisions were considered regarding the Prestwich Village Regeneration Project's Travel Hub operations strategy, including the introduction of parking charges, and the procurement of parking and moving traffic enforcement services. Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth, presented the Travel Hub strategy, emphasizing the need for charges to cover operational costs.
The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting were also noted.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Prestwich Village Regeneration Project: Phase 1A (Travel Hub) - Operations Strategy
Recommendations ApprovedBury Council Cabinet approved the operations strategy for the Prestwich Village Regeneration Project: Phase 1A (Travel Hub) on 14 October 2026. The decision approved APCOA Parking (UK) Limited as the operator and the introduction of parking charges and other fees for the facility. The approved strategy includes an ANPR system, cashless payment, 24-hour CCTV, and part-time on-site staff.
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10-year occupational Lease - 6b & 6c Bridge Trading Estate
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved a 10-year lease for units 6b and 6c Bridge Trading Estate on 14 October 2026. This decision ensures the continued occupation of the premises by Bury Adult Care Equipment Services. The lease includes a tenant-only break option on 17 May 2030.
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Extension of Lease for St Monica's - Part A
Recommendations ApprovedBury Cabinet approved the grant of a new lease for Elms Bank College at St Monica's on 14 October 2026. The decision approved the heads of terms for the new lease and associated indemnity agreement. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Corporate Assets and Facilities Management for minor variations and to the Monitoring Officer for signing.
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Review and amendments to Bury Council's Housing Allocations Policy
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved amendments to the Housing Allocations Policy on 14 October 2026. The amendments allow for direct lets to retiring service tenants and grant the Director of Housing discretion to make direct lets in any circumstance consistent with the law and policy aims.
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Minutes
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved the minutes of the previous meeting on 9 September 2026. They also approved operational arrangements, costs, and cost sharing for the Northern Gateway Mayoral Development Corporation and authorised delegation for contractual arrangements. Additionally, they noted and approved GMCA's offer of grant funding and an interest-free loan for the MDC.
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New Persona Shareholder Agreement - PART A
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved recommendations for a new Persona Shareholder Agreement on 14 October 2026. The agreement was adopted to provide Persona with greater flexibility for growth and high-quality service delivery.
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Live Well Implementation in the Borough
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved recommendations on 14 October 2026. They approved entering into a grant agreement for £676,000 for Years 2 and 3 of the Live Well programme and the allocation of £338,000 to Bury VCFA in each year. The Cabinet also noted progress on Year 1 funding, approved proposals for Year 2 Council grant funding expenditure, and agreed a framework for Year 3 investment priorities.
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Northern Gateway Western Access scheme: Stage 3 Contract Sum, External Professional Team Contract Extension, and Acceptance of Investment Zone Grant Funding.
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved recommendations on 14 October 2026. They approved the Bentley Project Management (UK) Limited contract sum of £423,000 for pre-construction stages and accepted £8.5 million of Investment Zone capital grant funding. The Cabinet also delegated final acceptance of Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd's Stage 3 contract sum, up to a provisional maximum of £3,129,915, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services.
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New Ash Grove Additional Provision Academy
For DeterminationThe Cabinet of Bury Council decided to approve the use of the Milton Road site for the new Ash Grove Alternative Provision Academy, approve the current designs for submission for full planning approval, approve the funding strategy for £17m, and delegate spending authority to the Executive Director of Place in conjunction with the Director of Law and Governance. The decision was made on 14 October 2026. The Cabinet also approved the procurement strategy approach for engaging a suitable contractor/consultant team.
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Highways Capital Programme - Highway Maintenance Funding 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved the Highways Capital Investment Programme and associated funding allocation for 2026/27 on 14 October 2026. The Cabinet approved the proposed asset management and prioritisation approach, the proposed works on culverts and structures, and noted the previously approved road safety programme. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations, to approve amendments to the programme of work and prioritisation method.
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Draft 2027/28 Budget
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved recommendations for the Draft 2027/28 Budget on 14/10/2026. The Cabinet approved the updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2029/30 and the draft revenue budget for 2027/28 as the basis for consultation. This included approving public consultation on draft budget assumptions and new savings, and authorising the Section 151 Officer to explore Exceptional Financial Support with MHCLG.
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Families First Partnership Programme - Part A
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved the implementation of the Families First Partnership Programme operating model and the use of grant funding to support it on 14 October 2026. The decision also approved commencing formal consultation on proposed organisational and staffing changes. The Executive Director of Children and Young People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and the Monitoring Officer, was delegated authority to implement the approved model and associated operational arrangements.
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Objections to the proposed disposal of Public Open Space - Land on the North Side of Milton Road, Radcliffe, Bury
Item Called InThe Cabinet of Bury Council decided to call in the item regarding objections to the proposed disposal of public open space on the north side of Milton Road, Radcliffe. The decision date was 14 October 2026.
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Proposed creation of an End-to-End Greater Manchester Fostering Hub
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Bury Council approved the proposal to transition to an end-to-end regional fostering hub model hosted by Rochdale Council on 14 October 2026. This decision delegates foster carer recruitment, assessment, and approval functions to the Greater Manchester Fostering Hub. The decision includes agreeing to a proposed funding formula and resource contributions for fiscal years 2026/27 and 2027/28, and agreeing to 2-year secondment opportunities for relevant staff.
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