Report of the Deputy Leader

This reports provide an overview of work undertaken and progress towards the delivery of the Council's priorities as set out in the Our Manchester Strategy for those areas within the portfolio of the Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Committee considered the report of the Deputy Leader of the Council, which provided an overview of work undertaken and progress towards the delivery of the Council’s priorities, as set out in the Our Manchester strategy, for those areas within his portfolio.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committees discussions within the Deputy Leaders report were:-

•           Requesting an update on the activity surrounding the Living Wage and the move towards accreditation;

•           Welcoming the reported investment into the 101 telephone system operated by Greater Manchester Police and the introduction of a live chat facility, noting that it was important to retain the 101 service;

•           Was the ongoing dispute between residents in the Green Quarter and the company awarded the contract for the Town Hall refurbishment taken into consideration as part of the procurement exercise; and

• What was being done to improve skills and training opportunities for both young and older residents to enter the labour market, particularly in areas such as construction where there existed a skills shortage.

The Deputy Leader advised that a report on the Living Wage activity was being considered by the Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee at their next meeting. He further commented that he had met with the local Chamber of Commerce who were fully supportive of the Living Wage and recognised the benefits of this, and work was ongoing to influence their supply chain and further engage with them around this issue and zero hour contracts.

In response to the comments regarding the 101 reporting system the Deputy Leader acknowledged that investment had been made into the service, however a full review of the system was required to ensure it was appropriate. He also noted that the live chat service had relived the pressure experienced by the 101 system and data on the 101 service would be provided to all Members. The Chair informed Members that this area of activity was within the remit of the Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee and she would discuss with the Chair the concerns raised by this Committee.

With regard to the Town Hall Project the Deputy Leader stated that a strict legal process had been followed to award the contract, and stated the many economic and social benefits the provider would deliver. He confirmed that the ongoing dispute did not, and could not be taken into consideration when assessing their bid. He stated that officers in the Housing Department, along with local Councillors and MP are working with the developer and building owner to resolve the dispute without any cost to the residents to replace the cladding.

In response to a comment made concerning the 50 – 64 year age group that now contain the most economically excluded parts of our communities, the Deputy Leader stated that work was ongoing to influence the attitudinal shift that was required to address this. He stated that work was ongoing with both local employers and the employment service to develop clear pathways for people and provide the opportunities for retraining and updating skill sets in recognition on the realities of the demographic of the labour market. He also made reference to the activities to promote jobs and skills in the construction industry for both young men and woman. 

Decision

The Committee:-

(1)          Notes the report;

(2)          Requests that the Deputy Leader circulates current data on the number of calls made to and answered by the Greater Manchester Police 101 telephone service; and

(3)          Requests that the Deputy Leader circulates information on the Greater Manchester Police 101 telephone service to all Member so the Council.