The Leader of the Council
reported on the following issues:
- It
was disappointing that the Widnes Vikings had had a near miss in the Grand
Final; however, it was hoped that they would come back strong the
following season.
- Daresbury
had attracted publicity for Halton as, along with Harwell, it was a centre
of research and innovation for the UK.
- The
Heath had won several awards including that for Peter Cook who had been
nominated Businessman of the Year.
- The
Widnes Waterfront was developing and three businesses were now under
construction.
- Halebank
was being regenerated in association with the 3 MG (Mersey Multi Modal
Gateway).
- Kingsway
Leisure Centre had been closed by the Chief Executive as soon as there had
been a hint of danger in respect of the recent legionella scare. It was
hoped that this would be cleared up in the near future and the Centre
reopened.
- The
Authority was continuing to lobby to achieve Assisted Area Status for
Halton. However, despite Council D. Cargill’s valiant efforts, it looked
as though a decision had been made to exclude the area. In the letter
received, it was stated that the problems presented were not as dramatic
as elsewhere. In addition, national indicators worked against the Council.
On the positive side, this acknowledged some of the progress that had been
made, and other European horizontal aid systems that were in place and
would be explored.
- The
Colleges had now merged.
- The
Mersey Gateway project was proceeding and the Leader had been appointed
Chair of North West Transport which would assist in the process.
- The
restructure of the Primary Care Trust was now complete and the hospital
restructure project was ongoing.
- Waste
disposal was a current big issue for the Authority. It was noted that Halton
would be unable to meet the requirements by itself and there was therefore
a need to work with partners. Unfortunately, the previous partnership with
Warrington had not been fruitful as the two Authorities together did not
have the capacity to deliver what was required. In addition, there had
been a diversion of priorities. An opportunity had arisen in Merseyside
and this had been capitalised on rather than the Authority being left
behind and isolated.
- There
had been an Executive Board Away Day where there had been a tentative look
at the following year’s budget. Similar events would be held for the
Policy and Performance Board Chairs and Committee Chairs towards the end
of November.
- Local
Area Agreements were being developed and of particular interest was the
community involvement and neighbourhood management involved. This was part
of the Government’s Agenda and the aim was to secure the best deal
possible locally.
- The
budget savings of £250,000 per Directorate promised in March 2006 were being
achieved as explained in Executive Board Minute EXB 29 of the meeting held
on 7th September 2006.
- Minute
no. EXB 31 of the same meeting outlined the development of the Liverpool
John Lennon Airport, which would have benefits and opportunities for the
Borough. However, there were also environmental concerns.
- The
Annual Governance Report had been complimentary, in particular in respect
of the Authority’s financial statements.