Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health.

The report sets out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         Note the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

·         Note the progress in the development of the Clean Commercial Vehicle and Hardship funds;

·         Note the initial funding award of £41m for clean vehicle funds to award grants or loans to eligible businesses;

·         Note the Government has accepted the need for vehicle replacement funds for Hackney Carriages, and Light Goods Vehicles, but has requested further development of shared evidence on the needs within that complex sector before responding and does not support the sustainable journeys measure.

·         Note that TfGM is seeking confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit is a continuation of Clean Bus Technology Funds to be distributed as soon as possible as per previous arrangements;

·         Note the government will not support electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Clean Air monies but have committed to work with GM on securing funding from OLEV;

·         Agree the position that the GM Local Authorities will move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable;

·         Further agree the position that the GM Local Authorities’ decision to commence a public consultation should be taken once there is a clear timeframe for exiting lockdown and moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 response;

·         Note the implementation of a GM CAZ is delayed to 2022 with a revised implementation date to be confirmed in the consultation commencement report;

·         Note the DfT’s positioning paper “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge”;

·         Note the assessment of the possible impacts of COVID-19 to inform a technical briefing note for decision makers; and

·         Note that the GM local Authorities intend to consult on GM’s proposed MLS, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation and agree the position for consultation, on when taxi/PHV fleets should be Zero Emission Capable.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet Member stated that it was proposed that the partnership of Greater Manchester local authortieis would move to a statutory public sonsultation on the plan as soon as reasonably practicable, bu tonly once there was a clear timeframe for the exiting of lockdown measures associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Clean Air Local Authority update, the Cabinet Meeting has:-

·         Noted the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

·         Noted the progress in the development of the Clean Commercial Vehicle and Hardship funds;

·         Noted the initial funding award of £41m for clean vehicle funds to award grants or loans to eligible businesses;

·         Noted the Government has accepted the need for vehicle replacement funds for Hackney Carriages, and Light Goods Vehicles, but has requested further development of shared evidence on the needs within that complex sector before responding and does not support the sustainable journeys measure.

·         Noted that TfGM is seeking confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit is a continuation of Clean Bus Technology Funds to be distributed as soon as possible as per previous arrangements;

·         Noted the government will not support electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Clean Air monies but have committed to work with GM on securing funding from OLEV;

·         Agreed the position that the GM Local Authorities will move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable;

·         Further agreed the position that the GM Local Authorities’ decision to commence a public consultation should be taken once there is a clear timeframe for exiting lockdown and moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 response;

·         Noted the implementation of a GM CAZ is delayed to 2022 with a revised implementation date to be confirmed in the consultation commencement report;

·         Noted the DfT’s positioning paper “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge”;

·         Noted the assessment of the possible impacts of COVID-19 to inform a technical briefing note for decision makers; and

·         Noted that the GM local Authorities intend to consult on GM’s proposed MLS, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation and agree the position for consultation, on when taxi/PHV fleets should be Zero Emission Capable.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the ten Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards needed to be prepared in such a way that taxi and private hire drivers were making decisions on their vehicles on the best knowledge available. It was noted that a proportion of businesses had stated their intention to pay the daily charge rather than make changes to their current vehicle fleet and that this may therefore not achieve the desired outcome of reducing nitrogen dioxide exceedances at the roadside.

·         Clarity was required from the Government on the need for vehicle replacement funds for hackney carriage and light goods vehicles.

·         It was suggested that taxi and private hire drivers could be incentivised to have electric or hybrid vehicles. It was commented that the success of the plan was partially predicated on the creation of an appropriate system of electric vehicle charging facilities and yet there was some doubt over whether this would be achievable

·         Work had been ongoing to try and prevent the clean air zones being circumvented at their boundaries.

·         Concern was expressed that roads maintained by Highways England, including the M60, were not included within the scope of the Clean Air Plan in the light of the fact that such roads were one of the biggest contributors to poor air quality in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that there was a delay to the programme in light of Covid-19 pandemic to 2022 and that the proposals would be subject to a public consultation.

·         Concern was expressed about the minimum licensing standards and the impact this would bring. In response, it was noted that there were concerns with the varying requirements put in place, but linking it with clean air and offering incentives would be good for the scheme.

·         Concern was expressed regarding the amount of money that was being made available and whether Stockport could make the changes and deliver on the scheme. In response, it was noted that Stockport was observing the changes to technology with Greater Manchester and there was a new generation of technology being introduced which would benefit Stockport.

·         It was suggested that the rapid chargers should also be rolled out into the district centres and not just the town centres. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that a proportion of businesses had stated their intention to pay the daily charge rather than make changes to their current vehicle fleet and that this may therefore not achieve the desired outcome of reducing nitrogen dioxide exceedances at the roadside.

·         Concern was expressed that roads maintained by Highways England, including the M60 were not included within the scope of the Clean Air Plan in the light of the fact that such roads were one of the biggest contributors to poor air quality in the borough.

·         It was commented that the success of the plan was partially predicated on the creation of an appropriate system of electric vehicle charging facilities and yet there was some doubt over whether this was achievable. In response it was stated that discussions were ongoing with regard to the development of a draft Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy.

·         It was suggested that the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles provided a more sustainable solution to the problem of poor air quality as there was a long-term problem with the ability to properly dispose of and recycle batteries from the current generation of electric vehicles.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.