Bury Council met to discuss a range of issues, including housing, transport, and community safety. A motion was passed to develop a borough-wide policy on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and the council agreed to write to the Secretary of State regarding taxi licensing regulations. The council also received updates on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and progress against the council's corporate plan.

Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The council passed a motion to develop a borough-wide policy on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to address concerns about their increasing numbers and potential impact on communities. The motion, raised by Councillors A Arif, Bayley, Boles, Cummins, Farooq, Fitzgerald, Frith, Gold, Green, Grimshaw, Haroon, Hayes, Hook, Ibrahim, McGill, Morris, Moss, E O'Brien, Pilkington, A Quinn, D Quinn, Rafiq, Rahimov, Rizvi, Rubinstein, Ryder, L Smith, Southworth, Staples-Jones, Tariq, Thorpe and Walmsley, and Councillors S Arif, Brown, Gartside, Harris, Hussain and Rydeheard, noted that HMOs are a symptom of the need for affordable housing and not a solution and that poorly regulated growth can undermine community cohesion and housing quality.

The council resolved to instruct the cabinet to bring forward a proposal for a borough-wide HMO policy, including:

• A review of areas where an Article 4 Direction could be introduced to manage the conversion of family homes into HMOs. An Article 4 Direction requires planning permission for certain changes of use that would normally be permitted without it[^1]. [^1]: Article 4 directions allow local authorities to remove permitted development rights in specific areas. This means that planning permission is required for certain types of development that would normally be allowed without it.
• Tightening up HMO density caps within the Draft Local Plan.
• Preparation of a new supplementary planning document to set out expected standards and facilities for HMOs.
• Proposals for selective or additional licensing schemes where poor housing standards, anti-social behaviour or overcrowding are of concern.
• Integration with existing housing, public health and neighbourhood strategies.
• A clear role for ward councillors and communities in identifying problem areas and shaping local implementation.

Taxi Licensing

The council agreed to write to the Secretary of State urging action to implement the findings of the Casey Review regarding taxi licensing. The motion, raised by Councillors Bernstein, Lancaster, McBriar and Vernon, referenced a chapter in the Casey Review, published in June 2025, that addressed concerns about taxis licensed in other areas, particularly in the context of child sexual exploitation.

The motion noted that Bury Council has long supported the closure of the out-of-town licensing loophole and has lobbied successive ministers on the issue. It also highlighted the Backing our taxis: Local. Licensed. Trusted campaign launched by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the GMCA, and local authorities to stop out-of-area licensing.

Illegal E-bikes and E-scooters

The council discussed the increasing number of illegally modified high-power electric bicycles and scooters and the concerns they cause to the public. Councillors Carol Birchmore, Donald Berry, Andrea Booth, Des Duncalfe, Glyn Marsden, Ken Simpson, Mike Smith and Mary Walsh raised the issue, referencing an early day motion put forward by Rachael Maskell MP, which highlighted the safety risks posed by altered speed and power limits.

The council resolved to:

• Write to both Bury MPs asking them to inquire about the problems of uninsured illegal e-bikes and scooters and asking if they will sign the early day motion.
• Write to the Chief Constable to enquire about all measures the police force may be able to undertake to remove these illegal machines from the streets.
• Write to Trading Standards to ask if they believe suitable information is given out by suppliers of these machines, stating that these machines should not be used on public roads.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Update

The council received an update on the work of the GMCA, focusing on the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP). The GMCA Council Update 16.09.25 report provided information on the ICP's role in bringing together health and social care partners across Greater Manchester to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

The report highlighted the ICP's six missions:

• Strengthen our communities
• Help people get into and stay in good work
• Recover core NHS and care services
• Help people stay well and detect illness earlier
• Support our workforce and our carers
• Achieve financial sustainability

The update also included information on Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) initiatives, such as improvements to the Bee Network¹, including new night bus services and half-price bus travel for 18-21 year olds.

Leader's Statement

Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of the Council, provided a statement on the work undertaken since the last council meeting, as detailed in the Leader's Report September 2025. He highlighted the positive Ofsted inspection in Children's Services, which moved the service from 'Inadequate' to 'Requires improvement'. He also noted progress on regeneration projects, including the sale of land in Whitefield to the NHS for a new health centre and the ongoing market regeneration.

Councillor O'Brien also reported that all 13 of Bury's borough parks, as well as two cemeteries, had been awarded Green Flag status for 2025. He also noted that the council joined with Greater Manchester Police and officers from the immigration service in carrying out coordinated enforcement operations on premises across Prestwich and Bury, seizing illicit goods.

Other Matters

• The council approved the July Minutes Council.
• The council considered a notice of motion received from the Youth Cabinet, agreeing to encourage schools to participate in training and forums, promote the benefits of school councils, and support Youth Cabinet meetings and student representation initiatives.
• The council received the Council Tracker for September 1 for information only, which sets out progress in respect of motions passed at the last meeting of the council.