This week in Bury:

Alcohol Sales at Discount Food and Wine Face Scrutiny

Concerns over late-night noise and potential public nuisance have been raised regarding an application for a premises licence for Discount Food and Wine. The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider the application for the premises at 165-167 Stand Lane, Radcliffe, M26 1JR.

The applicant, VS House Limited, sought to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. While initial proposed hours were until midnight, discussions with Public Health led to an agreement to restrict alcohol sales to between 08:00 and 23:00. Greater Manchester Police also proposed conditions to the licence, including staff training on age verification and maintaining a refusals log, alongside requirements for the CCTV system.

However, a local ward councillor raised significant objections, citing concerns about the proposed hours, potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and litter in the predominantly residential area. The proximity to a primary school also raised concerns about the protection of children from harm. The committee had to consider these representations alongside the four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026. You can find more details about this meeting here: Licensing Hearing Sub Committee.

Council Pushes for Anti-Racism and Integrated Social Care

Bury Council is taking steps to embed anti-racist principles across its operations and to create a more integrated approach to social care. The Employment Panel met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to discuss a new two-year Anti-Racism Organisation Strategy and the establishment of an all-age commissioning function.

A Commitment to Being Anti-Racist

The proposed strategy aims to move the council from being merely non-racist to actively anti-racist, aligning with the GM Race Equity Framework. This initiative responds to rising instances of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism, with a focus on embedding anti-racist principles in policies, procedures, workforce development, leadership, and service delivery. The strategy outlines six key goals, including ensuring systems support anti-racist outcomes and amplifying the voices of ethnic minority communities.

Streamlining Social Care for All Ages

Following recommendations from an independent review, the council is looking to establish a new all-age commissioning function. This integrated approach aims to improve outcomes for residents, strengthen preventative services, and enhance market management across both children's and adult social care. By bringing commissioning activities together, the council hopes to achieve greater efficiency and better support for individuals throughout their lives.

The Employment Panel also reviewed minutes from a previous meeting and a report on post-redesignation for Legal and Democratic Services.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Employment Panel.

Standards Committee Reviews Member Conduct and Ombudsman Findings

The Standards Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss how to maintain high standards of conduct among councillors, review the council's Code of Conduct, and consider the findings of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. The committee also received an update on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, often referred to as Hillsborough Law.

Strengthening Member Development and Conduct

The committee reviewed the Member Development Programme for 2026/27, which includes mandatory training on areas like the Code of Conduct, GDPR, and Health and Safety. The programme aims to ensure councillors are well-equipped to serve the public. A review of the council's Code of Conduct was also undertaken, with the aim of identifying any necessary amendments or clarifications to ensure it remains robust and aligned with current best practices.

Learning from the Ombudsman

The committee received the annual review from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) for 2025-26. While the number of complaints received by the council saw a slight decrease, the report highlighted that 86% of investigated complaints were upheld. The council maintained a strong compliance rate with the Ombudsman's recommendations, demonstrating a commitment to addressing issues raised.

Hillsborough Law and Public Accountability

An overview of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, or Hillsborough Law, was provided. This proposed legislation aims to place a statutory duty of candour and assistance on public authorities, reinforcing expectations of honesty and accountability. The report detailed potential implications for both officers and elected members, suggesting that the council may need to review its governance and information management arrangements if the Bill is enacted.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Standards Committee.

Health Scrutiny Committee Focuses on Carers, Workforce, and Regional Health Issues

The Health Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss crucial updates on support for carers, workforce development in the care sector, and regional health scrutiny matters.

Supporting Carers and Building the Care Workforce

An update on the Adult Bury Carers Strategy 2025-2029 highlighted efforts to ensure unpaid carers are recognised, valued, and supported. The Bury Carers' Hub presented its impact, detailing how it helps carers access information, advice, and improve their wellbeing. The committee also received an update on the Bury Care Academy (BCA), an initiative focused on developing the social care workforce. The BCA's achievements in engaging providers, supporting recruitment, and delivering training programmes were presented, along with future plans to enhance skills and leadership within the sector.

Regional Health Updates

The committee received updates on Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Joint Health Scrutiny meetings, covering topics such as maternity services, early childhood disadvantage, and the Greater Manchester Care Record. Discussions also touched upon the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector's perspective on health inequalities and updates on service reconfiguration reports.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Health Scrutiny Committee.

Other Matters

Licensing Hearing Sub Committee Considers Premises Licence

The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026. The meeting was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Discount Food and Wine.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Licensing Hearing Sub Committee.

Planning Control Committee Cancelled

The Planning Control Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22 September 2026 was cancelled.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Planning Control Committee.

This week in Bury:

Late-Night Refreshment Plans Spark Resident Concerns

Plans for a new Pizza Go Go to open in Prestwich have raised concerns among local residents and environmental health officers about potential noise and public nuisance. The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the takeaway at 56 Bury New Road, Prestwich, M25 0JU.

The applicant, Mr Mansour Gholami, sought permission for the premises to operate as a late-night refreshment venue, with proposed hours from 11:30 to 04:30, Monday to Sunday. However, representations from Environmental Health and local councillor Alan Quinn highlighted worries about increased customer activity and delivery drivers during the early hours, which could lead to noise disturbances for nearby residents. Councillor Quinn specifically cited potential noise from arriving cars and the premises' operations, as well as the risk of anti-social behaviour from intoxicated individuals.

The committee had the power to grant the application, grant it with conditions, amend existing conditions, or refuse it entirely. The decision would be guided by the Licensing Act 2003 and the council's licensing policy, aiming to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026. You can find more details about this meeting here: Licensing Hearing Sub Committee.

Council Tackles Financial Procedures and National Planning Changes

Bury Council's full Council meeting on Wednesday 16 September 2026 addressed significant updates to financial procedures and the upcoming implementation of a national scheme for planning decisions. These changes aim to enhance efficiency, compliance, and the way planning applications are handled across the borough.

Overhauling Financial Rules

The council reviewed and approved amended Financial Procedure Rules and Scheme of Delegation, a key part of the council's Finance Transformation Programme. These updated rules introduce a new supplier catalogue and more stringent supplier vetting processes. They also emphasise the importance of segregating duties in financial transactions and place limitations on in-year budget virements, ensuring greater financial control and accountability.

Adapting to National Planning Regulations

A report detailed the implementation of new national regulations for planning decisions, due to come into effect on 31 October 2026. These regulations will mandate a National Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions, requiring the council to update its Constitution and Planning Scheme of Delegation. A significant change is that ward member call-in arrangements will no longer override this national scheme, and the size of planning committees will be capped at 13 members. This aims to streamline the planning process and ensure consistency across the country.

Housing Advisory Board and Regional Transport Updates

The meeting also included a review of the Housing Advisory Board's terms of reference, with proposed changes to strengthen its advisory and co-production responsibilities. Updates were provided on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA) activities, covering regional transport initiatives like the Bee Network bus service enhancements and the Bury Interchange Redevelopment, as well as environmental projects and economic development.

Motions on Local Issues

Several motions were put forward by councillors, addressing a range of local concerns:

• Giant Hogweed: A motion called for action to treat and reduce the spread of giant hogweed, proposing regular surveys, safe removal by professionals, and public awareness campaigns.
• Adult Social Care: Councillors supported the Big Conversation on Care initiative, aiming to improve adult social care services and promote cross-party working.
• Hospitality Sector: A motion expressed opposition to a proposed Greater Manchester Overnight Visitor Levy, highlighting concerns about its impact on Bury's hospitality sector and calling for local economic impact assessments.
• Illicit Trading: A Zero Tolerance approach was proposed to tackle illicit trading, with plans for a borough-wide summit and coordinated action with enforcement agencies.
• Endometriosis Friendly Employer: The council committed to applying for Endometriosis Friendly Employer status, recognising the importance of supporting employees affected by the condition.
• Castle Armoury: Concerns were raised about the management of Bury Castle Armoury, with calls for letters to the relevant trust and MPs to secure its future.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Council.

Focus on Children's Services and Young People's Futures

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to review critical updates on services for children and young people, including plans to improve children's social care, support for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and initiatives to help young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Improving Children's Social Care

An update on the ILACS (Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services) Improvement Plan detailed Bury's strategy for enhancing its children's services following an Ofsted inspection. The plan focuses on seven priority areas, including identifying and supporting families in need, improving care planning, and developing better support for care leavers.

The committee also received an update on the Families First Partnership (FFP) reforms, which aim to refocus children's social care on prevention and stronger multi-agency teams. These integrated teams will provide a seamless service for families, with plans progressing well for implementation by April 2027.

Supporting SEND and Young People

The SEND Sufficiency Plan update highlighted efforts to ensure Bury has the necessary resources to meet the needs of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Despite significant investment, gaps remain, particularly in secondary phase provision for autism and social, emotional, and mental health needs.

An update on young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) showed that Bury's participation rates are in line with national averages, with a lower NEET rate than both the North West and England. However, the report noted a slight increase and identified vulnerable groups, such as looked-after children and those with EHCPs, as having higher NEET rates, underscoring the need for targeted support.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.

Other Matters

Standards Committee to Review Code of Conduct and Member Training

The Standards Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss the council's Member Development Programme and training requirements for the upcoming year. A key item on the agenda is the annual review of the council's Code of Conduct for members, ensuring it remains up-to-date and effective. The committee will also receive an update on the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's annual review and be briefed on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, often referred to as Hillsborough Law, which aims to strengthen honesty and accountability in public office.

Employment Panel to Consider Anti-Racist Strategy

The Employment Panel will meet on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to consider a new two-year strategy aimed at transforming the council into a proactive anti-racist organisation. This strategy will focus on policies, workforce capability, leadership, and community engagement to tackle racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. The panel will also discuss the establishment of an all-age commissioning function for both Children's and Adult Social Care, aiming to improve resident outcomes and financial sustainability.

This week, the Bury Council held three scheduled meetings, though not all proceeded as planned. Below is a summary of the council's activities and some insights into how local government functions.

Employment Panel - Monday 24 June 2024

The Employment Panel convened on Monday. Unfortunately, no video or transcript of this meeting is available, so we cannot provide details on the discussions or decisions made. Employment Panels typically deal with issues related to council staff, including appointments, grievances, and disciplinary actions.

Licensing Hearing Sub Committee - Tuesday 25 June 2024

The Licensing Hearing Sub Committee also met on Tuesday. Similarly, no video or transcript is available for this meeting. Licensing Hearing Sub Committees are responsible for making decisions on applications for licenses under the Licensing Act 2003¹. This includes premises licenses, club premises certificates, and personal licenses. These decisions can impact local businesses and community events, influencing the social landscape of the borough.

Employment Panel - Thursday 27 June 2024

The second Employment Panel scheduled for Thursday was cancelled. No further details were provided regarding the reason for the cancellation.

Understanding Local Government

Local councils like Bury Council play a crucial role in managing and delivering a wide range of public services and functions. This includes education, transport, planning, fire and public safety, social care, libraries, waste management, and trading standards. Councillors, who are elected by the public, make decisions on these services.

Committees and Panels

• Employment Panel: This panel handles employment-related matters within the council, such as staff appointments and disciplinary actions.
• Licensing Hearing Sub Committee: This sub-committee deals with licensing applications and issues, ensuring local businesses comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Your Role as a Resident

Understanding the workings of your local council can empower you to participate more actively in community decisions. Attending council meetings, even if only virtually, can provide insights into how decisions are made and how they impact your local area. Engaging with your councillors and providing feedback on local issues is also a valuable way to contribute to the governance of your neighbourhood.

Stay informed and involved to help shape the future of Bury.