At a meeting of Wigan Council, Councillor Debbie Parkinson was elected as chair for the meeting, and councillors approved the Treasury Management position, the updated Capital Programme, and the Anti-Racism Charter and action plan. The council also showed its support for the Jacob's Journey campaign, the end of the two-child benefit cap, the Hillsborough Law, regulation of all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and the early morning concessionary travel trial.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

• Anti-Racism Charter

  The council approved the Anti-Racism Charter and its associated action plan, demonstrating a commitment to actively challenge racism as part of the council's Progress with Unity missions and belief in social justice. The charter outlines how Wigan Council and its partners will proactively change systems, policies, processes, behaviours and beliefs that perpetuate racist ideas and actions.

  The charter details the principles how this will be done:

  • Recognising that racism impacts the physical, mental, emotional, economic, social and spiritual health of our workforce and communities.
  • A zero tolerance of racism, harassment and bullying. This includes the eradication of all forms of racism in the workplace, such as direct and indirect discrimination, microaggressions and systemic racism. All racism will be challenged, and our staff supported.
  • Supporting the workforce to stand up and speak out against racism and discrimination and providing a safe reporting system and responding to all reports of racism and discrimination.
  • Recognising the lived experience of colleagues and communities from diverse ethnic backgrounds and their contribution to the borough.
  • Having clear expectations that all employees are aligned with Wigan Council's Progress with Unity missions and their values and behaviours are aligned with our anti-racist charter. Consistent action will be taken when this is not the case.
  • Providing specific anti-racism training, alongside mandatory Diversity and Inclusion training.
  • Building a workforce that is representative of the diverse population served, at all levels and in all departments.
  • Recognising and celebrating positive allyship.

• Notices of Motion

  The council debated and voted on five notices of motion:

  • E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Councillor Kevin Anderson submitted a motion, seconded by Councillor Barbara Caren, expressing support for the Jacob's Journey campaign and calling for stricter regulations on the sale and use of e-bikes and e-scooters. The council resolved to write to the government urging them to introduce a comprehensive framework of stricter regulations governing the sale and use of e-bikes and e-scooters, including the following measures:
    • Ban the sale and use of e-scooters to/by anyone under the age of 18
    • Introduce a formal e-scooter licence scheme
    • Require all owners to have insurance
    • Make helmets and protective gear mandatory for all riders
    • Prohibit the carrying of passengers on e-scooters and e-bikes
    • Actively enforce the law and impose tougher penalties for violations
    • Raise public awareness of the rules and dangers associated with misuse The motion was carried.
  • Two-Child Benefit Cap: Councillor Dane Anderton submitted a motion, seconded by Councillor Gena Merrett, expressing concern about the impact of the two-child benefit cap on child poverty. The council resolved to:
    • Write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions urging action to end this policy.
    • Support national campaigns and work with local organisations advocating for the removal of the cap.
    • Request that local MPs raise this issue in Parliament and support legislative efforts to abolish the cap. The motion was carried.
  • Hillsborough Law: Councillor Paul Prescott submitted a motion, seconded by Councillor Garry Lloyd, expressing solidarity with Liverpool City Council and the families who lost loved ones at Hillsborough. The council called for the immediate implementation of the Hillsborough Law as originally drafted in 2017, and resolved to instruct the Chief Executive, Alison Mckenzie-Folan, to write to the Prime Minister in a co-signed letter with the Executive Leader of the Council, Councillor David Trevor Molyneux MBE, to state the council's resolute position in support of this vital legislation. The motion was carried.
  • Regulation of HMOs: Councillor Maureen O'Bern submitted a motion, seconded by Councillor Jamie Hodgkinson, calling for the UK government to implement the licensing and regulation of all HMOs, regardless of size or location, to help assure high living standards, improved safety, and decreased anti-social behaviour. The motion was carried.

  • Concessionary Bus Pass Trial: Councillor John Melville Vickers submitted a motion, seconded by Councillor Samantha Brown, to formally thank Mayor Andy Burnham and the Bee Network[^2] for introducing and extending the early morning concessionary travel trial, to request that the Mayor and Bee Network consider making this change permanent across Greater Manchester, and to write to the Mayor and TfGM[^3] expressing the council's support for permanent early morning concessionary travel and urging a favourable decision by the end of 2025. The motion was carried.

    [^2]: The Bee Network is Greater Manchester's integrated transport system, bringing together buses, trams, cycling and walking routes. [^3]: Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the local government body responsible for delivering the Mayor of Greater Manchester's transport strategy and maintaining transport infrastructure.

• Capital Programme and Treasury Management Quarter 1

  The council considered a report providing an update on the Treasury Management and Capital Programme for the period ending June 2025. The council approved the Treasury Management position and the adoption of the updated Capital Programme. The report noted an overall net increase to the programme of £28.141m, including £6.429m in respect of Accounting Standard IFRS 16[^1], £0.582m for a Modular Classroom Unit at Garrett Hall Primary School, and increases across the 3-year Adults programme to reflect planned increased capital spending in the following areas, that will be resourced from the Council's Disabled Facilities Grant allocation.

  [^1]: IFRS 16 is an international accounting standard that requires lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognised on the balance sheet.
  

• Local Authority Governor Report

  The council considered a report informing them of Local Authority Governor Vacancies at schools in the borough. The council approved the listed applicants as Local Authority Governors, for appointment by the Governing Body, in line with The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012, and approved the listed Local Authority Governors, for re-appointment by the Governing Body.

• Tributes to Councillor George Davies

  The chair and other members paid tribute to Councillor George Davies, who had recently passed away. Councillor Davies had served as a councillor for many years and was an Honorary Alderman. The council observed a minute's silence in his memory.

• Updates from Cabinet Portfolio Holders

  Cabinet Portfolio Holders provided updates on various areas, including community safety, anti-social behaviour, innovative work within the Children and Families Directorate, the council's response to recent flooding, suicide prevention, accessibility of BeWell services, and the renaming of Leigh Sports Village to the Progress with Unity Stadium.