SNP Forum / Core Strategy 8th December November 9, 2009

Hello All,

The SNP Forum scheduled for 8th December is no more : (

Instead has been Councillor Richard Cowell, Executive Member for Environment, on behalf of Manchester City Council, invites you to attend the Core Strategy Seminar  : ) !!!

So what is the difference?  Unlike a normal SNP Forum there will be some issues covered such as the Airport and Transport and Economy which aren’t aren’t normally discussed.

With the Core Strategy nearing its final stages Planning Strategy are keen to get your views on the Proposed Options document which can be found on the documents page of this website.  For the first time in this process, the Proposed Options proposed policy ideas in line with submissions from the last round of consultation, Refining Options.

The Event will be run in two sessions, one afternoon and one evening – see booking form below for details.

You get to choice which session to go to and which workshops you’d like to attend out of the following:

Housing, District Centres, Environment, Airport, Transport, Economy and General.

If you would like to attend please fill out the attached form:

Pre-Registration Form

It will be assumed that attendees have already read the document or at the very least chapters relevant to the workshops selected to attend.  SNAG members will be issued with a briefing paper which will summarize the content and the emerging policy.

Core Strategy Consultation October 30, 2009

OK we’re almost there now

Welcome to the Proposed Options Stage the Core Strategy for Manchester.  Consultation opens on Monday the 9th of November until 4th January 2009.

I can tell you that Option B was the most popular option following the refined options stage earlier this year (7% of us preferred B), which should please most of you no end.

As ever I’ll be sending a briefing paper to SNAG members ASAP to give you the low down on how the Proposed Option is shaping up.  Certainly none of the headline Spatial Policies have change, but I am yet to see if there is any devil in the detail; I should think not.

So what’s in the option which will lead to the flourishing of Manchester into a green and pleasant, sustainable 21st century haven of well-being and knowledge based industrial excellence?   I’ve only had a quick flick through so these are but my first impressions:

The usual slugs in the pottage include the preference of economic growth over economic development, airport growth (although there are mentions of high speed rail links) over greenbelt protection and a focus on development of the city centre as opposed to effectual sites for employment in the burbs.

I am picking up heightened levels of climate change related activity compared with the previous incarnation of this strategy but the dedicated climate change info measures just 1 small paragraph here and another one there on my climate change policyometer.  The waste management enthusiasts amongst you may find this rather disappointing.

So what’s coming up roses?  If I take number of pages as a proxy to the level of good policy, housing and design are smelling the sweetest.  Economic growth is of course the compost feeding everything in our great Mancunian City.

Watch this space.

Best Wishes, Tim.

SNP Forum – Climate Change Action Plan September 21, 2009

Dear All,

Sustainable Neighbourhoods Partnership Forum

You are invited to the next Forum: which will focus upon:

Climate Change Action in Manchester’s Neighbourhoods.

It will be held on: Wednesday 30^th September, 6-8pm
In: Committee Room 1, Manchester Town Hall.

The Forum will include a presentation from Richard Sharland, Head of Environmental Strategy, Manchester City Council.

The short presentation will be followed by facilitated workshops in which you will be encouraged to contribute constructive suggestions for priorities and actions.

The Green City Team have prepared this outline report about the CCAP.

If you would like to attend the Forum please inform Su Goldthorpe on the below details.

Please also forward this information to others as appropriate.

Best wishes, Tim.

s.goldthorpe@manchester.gov.uk

Tel 0161 234 4125

Manchester Mayor September 3, 2009

Hello Everyone,

By the 22nd September you will need to make a decision as to whether you would like a Manchester Mayor.  I feel that the information produced by the Council is a little misleading and perhaps a little biased and so wanted to take the opportunity to present you with more information so that you can make the right choice for you.

Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, Manchester City Council must change the way it is governed by the next local election, which will be in May 2010.

Current System in Manchester:

There are 32 wards within the city of Manchester.  The way the population gets a say in the decision / policy making process is through elected representatives.  Each ward has 3 elected members or councillors that act as citizen representatives to influence the how, where, what and when amenities and services are provided.

The Council in Manchester is made up of 96 elected members (3 from each ward).  The council employs officers (confusingly also known (or commonly referred to) as the council) to administer and provide services.  It is the role of the councillors to influence where and at what level services are provided, the role of the officers is to carry these out.  Officers also advise on policy and legislation (legal issues) to ensure the councillors are informed and up to date and acting within the legal limitations and national framework.

The current governance structure the council operates under is known as the leader and cabinet executive model. (introduced in the Local Government Act 2000) and the leader and executive (the cabinet) are appointed by the council.

The executive has 10 members: the leader, 2 deputy leaders and seven executive members each with a special responsibility for a particular area – Adult Services, Arts and Leisure, Children’s Services, Employment and Skills, Environment, Finance and Human Resources, Neighbourhood Services and Direct Services.

The executive is responsible for setting the budgetary and policy framework and has full authority in this respect. This means that most of its decisions do not need (full) council approval.  The other 86 councillors have opportunities to sit on a variety of committees and scrutiny panels to ensure their involvement.

The current Lord Mayor represents the city at ceremonial and social events, meets important visitors, and chairs council meetings. The role is non-political and they cannot make decisions about council business.

An elected Mayor would be responsible for the day-to-day running of local services, and provide political leadership to the council and the community.

The two options and how they are different from the current situation.

Manchester City Councils website has this explanation of the two options:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/home_info.php?homepageID=447

I will add the differences under each bullet point (in brackets)

Option A: The ‘new-style’ Leader and Cabinet Executive:
This option is very similar to the current set-up. However, the role of the ‘new-style’ leader would be strengthened. (and the council weakened?)

• The leader would be appointed by the council and would be one of the 96 elected councillors.  (The current system employs an annual appointment of leader and cabinet, the main change would be duration.)

• The leader would have a fixed term of four years, but could be removed by the council earlier. (Main change; The introduction of a fixed term; The ability to be removed currently exists but in limited circumstances, the new model will expand on circumstances for removal; Fixed term is also dependant on time remaining i.e. if term is due to expire in 2 years the leader can only lead for two years)

• The leader would appoint a cabinet of at least two and up to nine councillors, one of whom would be appointed as deputy leader.   (It is currently the full council that decide on the cabinet (executive), there is no compulsion now to have deputies;  The (new) leader would be obliged to appoint one member of the executive to be deputy leader. The deputy would act as leader if the leader is unable to act. The same time limit of 4 years, or till end of current term applies to deputy also. However, the leader could remove the deputy leader.)

• The leader could either decide to carry out the council’s executive functions or delegate executive functions to the cabinet, a committee of the cabinet, individual members of the cabinet, or council officers.  (It is currently the (full) council that decide on the functions (via the selection of the cabinet).  The new structure would put this decision in the hands of the leader.)

• The cabinet would recommend the budget and major policies to the council, but the full council could change this by a simple majority.  (Under the current system the council’s policy framework and budget would be agreed by the full council following proposals from the executive. The executive would then be charged with implementing the agreed policy framework. Overview and scrutiny committees, which may co-opt people who are not councillors onto their committees, would be charged with holding the executive accountable for that implementation. It is not obvious if / how this would change)

• There would be no additional cost.  (At least not the obvious additional financial cost of running a separate election for a Mayor)

Option B: The Elected Mayor and Cabinet Executive:
The elected Mayor would only represent the city of Manchester and not the Greater Manchester region, unlike in London, where their Mayor represents the whole of Greater London.

• The Mayor would be elected by local electors in a separate election and would be in addition to the 96 elected councillors.  (There would be a directly elected person leading the council instead of an indirectly elected one. This person could be from a political party or a non partisan independent.)

• The Mayor would hold office for four years and could not be removed by the council.  (This is an interesting position. Unlike the leader, who having been selected by the council could be removed by the council (criteria dependant) it would be not so (easy) with an elected Mayor. It is possible though (as it is currently possible to remove any elected representative) depending on the reasons. There is a codes and protocol section of the councils constitution that elected members have to abide by (an elected Mayor would technically be classed the same as a councillor in respect of this) breaching these could result in standards committee intervention. The constitution is available to view Here:)

• The Mayor would appoint a cabinet of at least two and up to nine councillors, one of whom would be appointed as deputy Mayor.  (As option A: There is no difference between the models here, only how the person making the decision got to be in that position.)

• The Mayor could either decide to carry out the council’s executive functions or delegate executive functions to the cabinet, a committee of the cabinet, individual members of the cabinet, or council officers.  (As option A: There is no difference between the models here, only how the person making the decision got to be in that position)

• The cabinet would recommend the budget and major policies to the council, but the full council could only change this by a two-thirds majority.  (The size of the majority needed to change budgetary / policy issues is increased from a simple majority to two thirds (64 or more). With the current partisan make-up of the council being; Con=1, Lab=62 and Lib=33 it would require a collaboration across parties)

• This option would require an increase in cost for an election and a greater special responsibility allowance for the Mayor.  (The additional cost for elections is an extra. We currently have an election in three out of four years.  The special responsibilities allowance – There already are special allowances paid to the leader and two deputies. Only having one of each (leader/mayor plus one deputy) will reduce the current amount. How much a Mayor would be paid is not yet decided (or a ‘new style’ leader for that matter))

The ‘new’ Leader / Mayor and cabinet executive differs from the existing Manchester model in a number of ways. Where the council used to decide:

• the Leader/Mayor would determine the size of the executive. (limited to a maximum of 10 members)

• the Leader/Mayor would appoint the members of the executive and could remove them at any time, effectively enabling mid-term “reshuffles”

• the Leader/Mayor has to appoint one member of the executive to be deputy Leader/Mayor. The deputy will act as Leader/Mayor if the Leader/Mayor is unable to act. The same time limit of 4 years, or till end of current term applies to deputy also. However, the Leader/Mayor can remove the deputy Leader/Mayor.

• The Leader/Mayor would determine the arrangements for the delegation of executive functions which can be personally discharged by the Leader/Mayor or delegated to:-

1. the whole executive;
2. a single member of the executive;
3. a committee of the executive;
4. an officer of the authority

To cast your vote please see: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/itsyourmanchester

Notes from SNP Board Meeting July 22, 2009

Board held Thursday 17th July (postponed from 17th June)

SNP Board Papers Review

16^th July 2009 (postponed from 17^th June)

Item 1 – Welcome and Apologies

Richard Sharland has excepted his appointment onto the SNP Board in his capacity as Head of Environment Strategy.

Item 2 – Minutes of the last Meeting

No matters arising from previous minutes.

Item 3 – SNP Forum Report

Report Noted and Cllr Andrews commented that it was well attended and very useful.

Item 4 – Consultation and Delivery of the Housing Strategy

Housing have commissioned a number of thematic focus groups to feed into the delivery of this strategy from the thematic partnerships, including children’s, adults’, crime & disorder. Northwards Housing in their capacity as the city’s ALMO¹ have been commissioned to produce a report on the “Golden thread” of Housing Policy – from National to Local, with the intent to produce a report and recommendations this September.

I explained that during consultation on the Core Strategy, SNAG members had raised the issue of utilizing city centre apartments for use by older people due to the many benefits they provide for older people and asked if this had been examined by Housing in their own research. Gail Heath² explained that it had been raised, but that older people found it more important to live in areas with a sense of community. If a strong older people’s community could be established in the centre then city apartments would be ideal. Gail added that further work was to be carried-out around the inter-relation between older people in large homes and fuel poverty. This work would be in tandem with work being progressed by VOP on fuel poverty. Further consultation will target key business areas using partners as the conduit for this process.

Overview and Scrutiny (Housing Sub-group) remain committed to the 60% target in owner-occupier by 2015 (this may be altered to 60% or 50,000 new owners) due to the recession.

SNAG have been asked to make comment on the Housing Strategy and comments must be submitted by the end of August. I shall issue a questionnaire which will enable you to pass comment fairly easily and quickly.

Item 5 – Neighbourhood Focus Strategy

Vicky Rosin stated that more work is being carried out on the outcomes of the Neighbourhood Focus Strategy before work can begin on its implementation. Vicky Rosin is to brief the CEOs of many of the Council’s partners such as the RSLs³ PCT⁴ and members of thematic partnership boards with the aim to report to the Executive in September. This is one of the most important customers strategies in the Council’s framework.

SNAG to be issued with a briefing paper ASAP.

Item 6 – LAA Quarter 4 Performance Report

Vicky noted that in future there may be a case for performance reporting by thematic partnerships to be conducted at different scales depending on the level of the indicator i.e. 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Item 7 – SNP Action Plan (draft).

The draft action plan highlights a number of quick fire actions which the SNP can deliver straight-away. It also highlights some larger actions which need special devotion. It will be important to the efficiency of the process for SNP partners such as the PCT to illustrate areas of best practice e.g. world class commissioning, so that SNP can replicate the processes.

1Arms Length Management Organisation

2Standing in for Paul Beardmore – Head of Housing

3Registered Social Landlords

4Primary Care Trust

Core Strategy Update May 29, 2009

Hello,

The Refining Options stage of the Core Strategy consultation closed today.  Please go the SNAG PI web-site (SNAG Planning Issues) for more info and to see the SNAG submission which pulled together your views and comments on the document.

Planning Update April 14, 2009

Please go to the SNAG Pi site for information on the next stage of consulation on the Core Strategy.  This “Refining Options” stage opens today and closes on the 29th May 2009.

Machester’s Call for Action on Climate Change January 19, 2009

Please see link:

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=2929

Regards, Tim

SNP Forum “Coming to the Crunch” November 3, 2008

The November Forum will focus on the Economic, Environmental and Social effects of the economic downturn, and the costs of living in the context of environment and climatic change. We will discuss where and how to focus our efforts in these challenging times.

The Forum will consist of presentations on the issues outlined above from the Commission for Economic Development Employment and Skills, Manchester Salford Housing Renewal Pathfinder, and George Marshall of Climate Outreach Information Network in Oxford.

George Marshall speaks and writes widely on climate change issues and sustainable lifestyles. He is the author of “Carbon Detox” a book offering “fresh ways to think about personal action to climate change” and his highly entertaining one man show has been described as “Al Gore and Woody Allen wrapped up in one”.

You will be encouraged to contribute their constructive suggestions for priorities and action.

It’s on Tuesday 25th November, 6-8 pm, in Manchester Town Hall.

Please note that we have changed the time to the more popular early evening. To book your place please get in touch using the details below:

Tim McMahon

sustainable@merci.org.uk 0161 273 1736

MERCi, Bridge-5 Mill, 22a Beswick Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 7HR

Sustainable Neighbourhoods v TIF July 9, 2008

There is a Sustainable Neighbourhoods Forum on the 14th July 2008 held in the Derby Suite, Midland Hotel, Manchester 6pm – 8pm.

There will be a brief talk by the new Executive Member for the Environment: Cllr Richard Cowell followed by workshops where we will be able to ask questions and raise concerns about how the TIF will affect sustainable neighbourhoods issues, such as: biodiversity, deprived communities within the two zones, how will the transport network be powered, etc…

There is also a briefing meeting before hand 5 – 5:40pm in Committee Room 3 of the Town Hall for pool members so recieve a report on the perfance of the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Partnership.

To attend either of the above, please get in touch on the usual details.

Best Wishes.

Tim McMahon: Sustainable Neighbourhoods Pool, Environment Network for Manchester (EN4M) @ MERCi

Bridge-5 Mill, 22a Beswick Street, Ancoats, M4 7HR

0161 273 1736

sustainable@merci.org.uk