Participation At Council Meetings And Panels

I have attended all Full Council meetings during this municipal year.

I have continued to serve on the Speakers Panel this year, where planning and highways matters are discussed/considered for approval. It also acts as a private hire and entertainment licensing panel.

I have also served on the Overview (Audit) Panel.

Participation At The Services For Children And Young People Scrutiny Panel

I hold the position of Chair of the above Panel and I have attended all meetings, in addition to briefings and interviews carried out in this capacity.

The Panel has scrutiny responsibilities for the Services to Children and Young People Service Area and the cabinet warrants of office relating to Children and Young People and Lifelong Learning. This includes all education services, schools, educational achievements, children's health, social work, looked after children, the Youth Service and the Youth Offending Services.

The work programme for 2007/2008 has included the following:

• On-going review of Staying On rates in education, training and employment;
• Healthy Eating Policy in schools/childhood obesity;
• Issues and outcomes surrounding school attendance and exclusions;
• Progress of Tameside pupils in Key Stage and GCSE results has again been monitored and year on year comparisons made taking account of vulnerable and special groups together with added value levels at each school;
• A follow-up review on teenage pregnancy;
• Monitoring the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ initiative.

Participation At District Assemblies

The District Assembly continues to be very popular and well attended. I have attended six meetings of the Assembly in this municipal year.

It has proved an excellent forum for giving local people an opportunity to raise areas of concern.

Participation On Outside Bodies

• New Charter Housing Trust – I am a director of New Charter Housing Trust (South) and Chair of the New Charter Building Company. We meet on a monthly basis to discuss reports on repairs and maintenance, voids and financial matters;
• I represent the Authority on Greater Manchester Pension Fund Management Panel.

Participation On Governing Bodies

I continue to serve as a governor at Russell Scott Primary School and have attended several meetings during the year. I am very pleased to report that the nursery facility has now opened and I am sure that this will prove invaluable to the local community.

Constituency Work

• Homewatch meetings – I continue to be involved with Fairlea Drive/Taylor Lane/Jet Amber Fields Residents’ Associations. Joint meetings are held with the police and local residents regarding issues of concern, including environmental improvements and crime prevention matters;
• Ward meetings – I continue to report monthly to the Ward about ongoing work and developments in the area and to discuss any issues of concern. I have attended 12 meetings this year;
• District Labour Party meetings (5)/Constituency Labour Party meetings (2) – both provide the opportunity to discuss current and future Labour Party issues.

Members' Advice Surgeries

• I hold an average of five surgeries per month, which I attend with my ward colleagues, at venues across the Ward.
• I continue to ensure that I deal promptly with all issues of concern raised by residents.

Member Development Training

I have attended several of the training courses offered to members as part of the Member Development Programme, including the new Local Government Bill and Corporate Governance (the model code of conduct).

I have also attended seminars delivered both inside and outside the Authority in my role as a Scrutiny Chair and a member of New Charter Housing Trust Board.

Special Events Over The Year

• Christmas lights “Switch On” – this was repeated again in 2006. It was an enjoyable evening, which was well attended. It was a real community event with Carmel Christian Centre’s Jigsaw Club leading the carol singing. We had contributions from Denton Brass Band, Egerton Park Arts College’s Salsa Band and a spectacular firework display. The Mayor of Tameside was there and of course…Santa;
• Crown Point North - the retail park, which opened in 2004, has attracted a number of major stores to the area and it continues to be a major success story for the town;
• Band Stand, Victoria Park – the refurbished band stand was re-opened following an investment of £80,000 to restore it to its original glory.