Bolton Council meets for the first time since the inauguration of new Mayor Elaine Sherrington this evening.

Issues including education funding, police cuts and eyesore buildings will be up for discussion at the full meeting of all elected members taking place at the town hall from 7pm.

There will be five motions put forward for the chamber to debate and vote upon, from Labour and Conservative members.

Cllr John Walsh is to call for an “urgent strategy” to address the number of vacant and under-used council buildings in the borough.

He says they are costing the taxpayer “tens of thousands of pounds” every year that could better be spent on services. And he believes it is “shameful” that some of the buildings create a feeling of “decline” for those visiting the town.

His Tory colleague Norman Critchley will also be putting a motion to members.

He wants a full discussion on the council’s brownfield-first planning policy, and his motion urge the Mayor to call a special meeting of all members.

And there will be three motions put forward by members of the ruling Labour group.

Council leader Linda Thomas wants to put pressure on the government for a “fair share” of sugar tax cash, to enable the council to tackle childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles.

Fellow cabinet member Cllr Nick Peel will condemn the financial pressure on schools and ask for backing to push the government for “enhanced investment to fairly fund our schools”.

And Cllr Ann Cunliffe, also wants support in her bid to get extra funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She says their future is being jeopardised by the government’s failure to fund the increasing number of SEND children.

There will also be questions from members and consideration of any motions referred to the council by the various scrutiny committees.