Local Life - Wigan - March 2018

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the council operated the scheme in order to assist
in the financing of the charity.
“However, despite these efforts the dropping off
of sales through the shops, inflation applying to
utility costs and prospective increases in salary and
pension costs this Spring means that expenditure is
exceeding income, with no realistic prospect of this
trend reversing.
“While the directors regret the need for closure, the
requirement on them to trade responsibly under
company and charity law means that there is no
alternative to this course of action. The remaining
funds in the charity should enable it to close via a
Creditors Voluntary Liquidation, which will ensure
that staff salaries, notice and redundancy monies
are paid out.
“With the realisation of the assets of the company
along with remaining funds all outstanding debts
should be cleared.”
Cllr David Molyneux said the council is now looking
at whether a similar service could be provided in
the wake of Shopmobility’s demise.
“Although the provision of mobility scooters is not
a service the council are required to provide, we do
recognise its importance in helping to make our
centres accessible for all.
“We are working with mobility scooter providers in
both Wigan and Leigh to see whether this service
can be provided in a different way.
“We will ensure our residents are notified once
arrangements are confirmed. “