Councillor Paul Prescott

Our Future Ashton. Ashton CRP Regeneration Scheme

From: Agenda and minutes - January 22, 2026

Wigan Council has secured £6.6 million of funding from the Government to transform the heart of Ashton-in-Makerfield, delivering a major programme of investment that will restore the market, introduce greenery and public realm improvements, as well as public art and enhanced shop frontages. The Our Future Ashton vision is for a strong town centre offer, supporting our existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and creating new creative spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy and take pride in.

Recommendations Approved

Greater Manchester Integrated Settlement: Wigan Locality Grant Agreement for Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, Work Well & NEET programmes (2026/27)

From: Agenda and minutes - January 22, 2026

The Integrated Settlement Agreement is a new funding approach that consolidates multiple grant streams - such as Work Well, NEET, and EI Trailblazer - into a single grant agreement. This model is designed to simplify processes by using one set of legal terms, governance, and reporting requirements, while aligning with Greater Manchester’s strategic priorities. It moves away from evidencing spend and instead focuses on achieving agreed outcomes, such as helping residents move into work, closer to work, or sustain employment. By creating flexibility in how funds are managed locally, the agreement aims to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and enable a more connected education, employment, and skills offer across the region.  

Recommendations Approved

Astley Business Park – Outcome of Independent Audit of Planning Process

From: Agenda and minutes - January 22, 2026

To report back to Cabinet, the findings of the independent external audit of the planning process, in respect of planning application A/23/96226/MAJOR.

Recommendations Approved

Plan for Neighbourhoods

From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 10.30 am - November 18, 2025

Leigh is one of 75 towns which will receive an allocation of a £20 million funding and support, to invest over the next decade, from the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund (PfN). It aims to put decision making into the hands of local people to decide priorities and make towns places where people and businesses want to invest, creating new jobs and breathe new life into high streets and town centres. The funding and activity is overseen by the Leigh Neighbourhood Board, which has draw up their town’s regeneration plan for the next 10 years. The plan will focus on long-term strategic transformation as well as shorter-term improvements, in actions and activity related to three strategic objectives: • Thriving Places • Stronger Communities • Taking Back Control  

Recommendations Approved

Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy

From: Cabinet - Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 10.30 am - November 18, 2025

Recommendations approved