Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 24 April 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Cabinet.

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Cabinet Members on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Chair on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Four public questions were submitted.

(i)    The first questions asked the Cabinet to inform other councillors and the public that the Council’s request for further funding toward the A6-M60 Bypass scheme had been rebuffed by the Department, and asked that no further resources be used on transport plans that included the Bypass, thereby lifting the threat to the Goyt and Poise Brook Valleys.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration stated that the Council was currently consulting on the draft South East Manchester Multi Modal (SEMMM) Strategy so was encouraging the public to feedback on the package of potential measures included in the draft strategy, which included the A6 to M60 Relief Road. The Council had been in contact with the Department for Transport regarding potential funding to undertake the next stage of development work and no funding was available at this time. However, as with all the proposed schemes identified in the draft Strategy, the Council would continue to work with partners to identify funding opportunities and pursue these when available.

(ii)  The second question referred to the SEMMMS website and a statement that there was no current window scheduled for funding applications to the Government for the A6-M60 Bypass, and asked when the relevant funding round would be and if the Council would be submitting a funding request to it; the same website also referred to discussions with Transport for Greater Manchester and Transport for the North over funding and the outcome of those discussions was requested.

In response the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration reiterated that the Council has been in contact with the Department for Transport regarding potential funding to undertake the next stage of development work and no funding was available at this time but the Council would continue to seek clarification from the Department on the timescales for upcoming funding rounds. As with all the proposed schemes identified in the draft SEMMM Strategy, the Council would continue to work with partners to identify funding opportunities and pursue these when available.

(iii) The third question referred to the SEMMMS Strategy document and Consultation and suggested that it hid support for the A6-M60 Bypass within the document and made no reference within its the Executive Summary. It was also stated that the consultation failed to provide an option for to state a preference or not for the bypass. It was asked whether this reflected the fear of manipulation of information that had been expressed when a consultation on the Bypass was proposed.

In response the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration again reiterated responses to earlier questions and stated that the Strategy was a long term transport strategy for both Stockport and the wider north Cheshire area, and it identifies a multi-modal package of projects for the area. The A6 to M60 relief road was just one scheme proposed as a part of an extensive package of schemes which included Metrolink, bus rapid transit, walking and cycling, as well as highway related schemes. The consultation had been designed to allow people to feedback on the strategy’s approach as a whole as well as provide feedback on individual schemes. She reiterated that since no funding had been made available from the Department of Transport for the consultation on the possible bypass scheme, this would not be pursued nor would any further work be done on preparing a business case at this time.

(iv) The fourth question referred to the iron age roundhouse discovered and excavated at Woodford during work on A6MARR in the autumn of 2015 and asked what had happened to the site since.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration stated that due to the technical nature of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of following items:-

Note: It had not been practical to provide 28 days’ notice of the intention to consider exempt information contained in the report accompanying the ‘Stockport Property Alliance’ item and the Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Committee had given her consent to exempt this report from that notice period.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution).

The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an update on progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget over the last 12 months, with a particular focus on the fourth quarter (January to March).

Updates are included on delivery of policy priorities and the growth and reform programme. The report also includes outturn budget and performance data where this is available, along with an update on the Corporate Risk Register. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which were considered by the most recent Scrutiny cycle.

The Leader’s Annual Report reflects on achievements, key issues, events and changes since the Final Update Report, and looks ahead to plans and priorities for 2018/19. 

Cabinet is asked to:

·         Review progress against delivering Council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report;

·         Note the key policy drivers identified and progress in managing corporate risks set out in section 2;

·         Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 3.2.3;

·         Note the cash limit and non-cash limit outturn positions for 2017/18 as set out in section 3.3 and 3.6;

·         Note the position on the 2017/18 budget savings programme set out in section 3.4;

·         Approve the carry forward of the non-cash limit surplus within general fund balances, as set out in 3.6.1;

·         Approve the funding of redundancy costs from non-cash limit unallocated contingency budgets, as set out in 3.6.3;

·         Note the Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account outturn positions as set out in sections 3.7 and 3.8;

·         Approve the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.9 and note the resulting reserves and balances position;

·         Approve the delegation of changes to the outturn, reserves and/or balances position as a result of the finalising and auditing of the 2017/18 Annual Statement of Accounts is delegated to the Borough Treasurer, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance;

·         Note the outturn position for the 2017/18 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1;

·         Note the re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 4.1.5;

·         Approve the proposals for resourcing and additional resources required for the Capital Programme as set out in 4.3;

·         Approve the 2017/18 actual prudential indicators as set out in section 4.4; and

·         Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

Officer cotnact: Jonathan Davies / Peter Owston, 0161 218 1025 / 474 3274

jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk / peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an Annual Report on the delivery of the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during 2017/18, with particular focus on the fourth quarter. The report provided a summary of key activity during the year as well as performance and budget outturns for the full year.

The Leader of the Council highlighted a number of significant issues and key achievements from the previous year, and the continuing financial challenge facing the Council.

The Leader highlighted the following:-

·         planning was underway for the 2019/20 budget setting process, including addressing the anticipated £15m reduction in funding;

·         ongoing challenges relating to the adult social care and children’s services budget pressures;

·         the Cabinet remained committed to seeking to increase income to avoid reducing services wherever possible.

·         the recent launch of the Stockport Local Fund; ongoing development of the Stockport Neighbourhood Care partnership; the successful work of Viaduct Housing; responding to the challenges posed by the Grenfell disaster; continued Council investment in leisure provision; the success of the Work and Skills Commission;

·         strong financial and project management underpinning Council initiatives;

·         there was a net budget surplus of £4m at the end of the year, although cash-limit budgets were showing a deficit. Some of the surplus would be used to offset this deficit but also to support budget reforms;

·         a full review of Council finances would be undertaken over the summer;

·         there had been particular performance challenges relating to increased care home admissions; increased instances of children missing from home; increases in victim based crime. Performance had improved in relation to Delayed Transfers of Care, reflective of strong joint working between partners.

Specifically in relation to children’s services pressures, the Cabinet Member for Children & Families outlined the background factors, including the increase in the number of cases being referred to children’s services and the consequential increase in children in care or being looked after. The cost of these placements was also increasing, due in part to a lack of capacity but also because of the increasingly complex and costly interventions.

In relation to children missing from care, the Cabinet Member confirmed that the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub now had dedicated resource to respond to such reports but that because this service only came on line in the last quarter it was unlikely to have had an impact on performance data.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that the Council was facing pressures not just due to increases in demand but also due to inflationary cost pressures for specialist services. He further referred to the recent report from the Children’s Commissioner that emphasised the disparities in spend on children’s services nationally was weighted heavily toward a small number of intensive interventions for a small number of children  rather than early interventions to a larger group of children with lower level need. It was emphasised that the Stockport Family model sought to ensure a more balanced response to these demands.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Annual Corporate Performance and Resources Report for 2017/18:-

·           the progress against delivering Council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report be noted;

·           the key policy drivers identified and progress in managing corporate risks set out in section 2 of the report be noted;

·           the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 3.2.3 of the report be approved;

·           the cash limit and non-cash limit outturn positions for 2017/18 as set out in section 3.3 and 3.6 of the report be noted;

·           the position on the 2017/18 budget savings programme set out in section 3.4 of the report be noted;

·           the carry forward of the non-cash limit surplus within general fund balances, as set out in 3.6.1 of the report be approved;

·           the funding of redundancy costs from non-cash limit unallocated contingency budgets,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 4th quarter (January - March) 2017/18. The report also compares complaint-handling performance in 2017/18 with the previous year.

The Cabinet is asked to:

·         Review performance information contained in this report, and

·         Comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

Officer contact: Anwar Majothi, 0161 474 3182, anwar.majothi@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an overview of complaints, as at the end of the fourth quarter of 2017/18, including a comparisons with the previous year and any lessons learnt from these complaints.

RESOLVED – That the performance in relation to complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2017/18 be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

This report seeks Cabinet approval to progress the proposed mixed-use Interchange scheme which will deliver a new state-of-the-art transport Interchange, a new green park, and high quality residential development with at-grade access from Wellington Road South. The development will also provide a link to the railway station and a new bridge over the Mersey which will take advantage of the opening up of the river planned as part of the scheme. 

The report also seeks Cabinet approval to invest ‘patient equity’ funding of up to £5.0m in the residential element of the scheme and asks for delegated authority to progress the scheme (including through the establishment of any necessary delivery models) subject to further approvals being sought for any expenditure not authorised in this report

Cabinet is recommended to:

·              Grant approval to proceed with the Stockport Interchange mixed-use development scheme outlined above to the point of submission of a planning application

·              Grant in-principle approval to the ‘patient equity’ investment of up to £5.0m in the residential element of the overall mixed-use Interchange scheme (to be matched by an equal contribution from the GMCA) subject to further work on the detail of the structure of proposed funding and delivery model

·              Note that a contribution to the transport Interchange element of the scheme will be made from contingencies in the Local Growth Deal programme

·              Grant delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place and the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and Communities & Housing, to progress the development of the scheme, and any delivery model, subject to further approvals being sought for any expenditure not authorised in this report.

Officer contact: Paul Richards, 0161-474-2940, paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider revised proposals for a mixed-use Transport Interchange scheme in Stockport Town Centre that would also aim to deliver a new green park and high quality residential development, and reopen part of the River Mersey. It was also proposed for the Council to provide ‘patient equity’ funding of up to £5.0m for the residential element of the scheme.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that although funding had been available for the Interchange for some time, proposals had been delayed to bring forward a more comprehensive scheme that would take advantage of the opportunity to realise the full potential of this site, including a residential element.

Cabinet members welcomed the proposals, in particular the provision of new open space in the Town Centre and the introduction of a range of green, blue and sustainable design elements. Members also emphasised the importance of ensuring that the new Interchange was Metrolink ‘ready’.

Cabinet Members also paid tribute to the hard work of officers from the Council and from Transport for Greater Manchester in developing this scheme.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Stockport Interchange:-

·         approval be given to proceed with the mixed-use development scheme outlined above to the point of submission of a planning application;

·         in-principle approval be given to the ‘patient equity’ investment of up to £5.0m in the residential element of the overall mixed-use Interchange scheme (to be matched by an equal contribution from the GMCA) subject to further work on the detail of the structure of proposed funding and delivery model;

·         a contribution to the transport Interchange element of the scheme being made from contingencies in the Local Growth Deal programme be noted; and

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and Communities & Housing, be authorised to progress the development of the scheme, and any delivery model, subject to further approvals being sought for any expenditure not authorised in this report.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and Communities & Housing

Town Centre Living is a major element of our wider approach to the regeneration of Stockport Town Centre and key to driving forward quality residential development as part of our commitment to Brownfield First.

This report and the accompanying Development Framework document set out an approach to bringing forward residential development, and the essential supporting social infrastructure, based around five principles:

·              Direct intervention by the Council to improve the viability of residential development

·              Utilising public sector powers to improve land supply and land assembly, especially in Town Centre West

·              Production of a residential design guide to encourage the delivery of high quality town centre housing

·              Planning policies which move with market conditions to ensure the delivery of suitable and appropriate schemes

The provision of social infrastructure and open space which supports residential growth and enhances the attractiveness of the town centre for existing residents

Cabinet is recommended to:

·              Endorse the Town Centre Living Development Framework document annexed to this report;

·              Approve the specific proposals relating to planning policy set out in the Development Framework namely:

o       Exploring the potential to pool Section 106 contributions; and

o       Exploring the targeted use of the Article 4 Direction to influence the quality of development carried out under the General Permitted Development Order(s)

·              Agree to the production of a Residential Design Guide for approval in late summer;

·              Approve the production of a Strategic Regeneration Framework for the Town Centre West area as part of wider work to create an appropriate delivery vehicle to unlock development in the Town Centre West area;

·              Note the work underway to bring forward transformative residential schemes on the Interchange and Weir Mill sites.

Officer contact: Paul Richards, 0161-474-2940, paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing and Economy & Regeneration was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) outlining a proposed approach to bringing forward residential development, and the essential supporting social infrastructure, in the Town Centre, as part of the wider commitment to its regeneration and the Cabinet’s commitment to Brownfield First development.

It was emphasised that the Strategy sought to address not just future housing need but also the associated infrastructure to support people living well in the Town Centre.

Cabinet Members thanked officers for their hard work in developing this Policy.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Town Centre Living:-

·         the Town Centre Living Development Framework document annexed to the report be endorsed;

·         the specific proposals relating to planning policy set out in the Development Framework be approved, namely:

·         exploring the potential to pool Section 106 contributions; and

·         exploring the targeted use of the Article 4 Direction to influence the quality of development carried out under the General Permitted Development Order(s)

·         approval be given to the production of a Residential Design Guide for approval in late summer;

·         approval be given to the production of a Strategic Regeneration Framework for the Town Centre West area as part of wider work to create an appropriate delivery vehicle to unlock development in the Town Centre West area; and

·         the work underway to bring forward transformative residential schemes on the Interchange and Weir Mill sites be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

This report proposes the marketing and potential sale of the former Ritz Cinema car park for residential development.  This approach is expected to bring forward residential development of a quality that could act as a catalyst for further development and would assist with delivering the Town Centre Living and Brownfield First agendas.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·              Approve the marketing for sale of the former Ritz Cinema site for residential development;

·              Approve the proposed disposal route of agreeing a development lease with a preferred bidder;

·              Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance, to take such actions as are necessary to complete the marketing and disposal of the site for residential development.

Officer contact: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161-474-4240, charlotte.cordingly@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider proposals for the marketing and potential sale of the former Ritz Cinema car park for residential development.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the former Ritz Cinema site:

·         approval be given to the marketing for sale of the site for residential development;

·         approval be given to the proposed disposal route of agreeing a development lease with a preferred bidder; and

·         the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance, be authorised to take such actions as are necessary to complete the marketing and disposal of the site for residential development.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

The report provides details of the process of the Stockport Work and Skills Commission and the Community Insight project, their findings and recommendations for actions to take forward.

It is recommended that the Cabinet:

·         Note and comment upon the content of the report with regard to the two work streams reported on.

·         Endorse the Council’s ongoing approach to delivering Inclusive Growth to maximise the benefits of the investment being made in Stockport.

·         Endorse the creation of the Stockport Work and Skills Board in June / July 2018 so that the work to progress the actions against the priorities can begin.

·         In relation to Community Insight, support the approach as outlined at paragraph 3.9 – 3.11 of the report.

Officer contact: Richard Mortimer, 0161 474 3864, Richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an update on the Stockport Work and Skills Commission and the Community Insight project, including details of the findings and recommendations.

The Leader of the Council stressed this was a good example the Council working in partnership, particularly with the business sector, but emphasised the challenge that remained in addressing skills needs in the borough.

Cabinet Members also highlighted the value of Community Insight work is providing context for the inclusive growth aims of the Cabinet and to give a ‘human face’ to the data about work and poverty in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Work and Skills Commission and Community Insight project:-

·      the content of the report with regard to the two work streams be noted;

·      the Council’s ongoing approach to delivering Inclusive Growth to maximise the benefits of the investment being made in Stockport be endorsed;

·      the creation of the Stockport Work and Skills Board in June / July 2018 so that the work to progress the actions against the priorities can begin be endorsed; and

·      support the approach to Community Insight as outlined at paragraph 3.9 – 3.11 of the report be supported.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Health.

The Director of Public Health has published his 24^th Annual Public Health Report and has invited the Cabinet to provide a formal response. The attached document is the Cabinets response to each recommendation. It was collated from information provided by the relevant Heads of Service in liaison with the appropriate Cabinet Member.

A copy of the approved Clinical Commissioning Group response is also attached for information.

Cabinet is invited to receive and approve the response to the Director of Public Health's 24th Annual Report.

Officer contact: Karen Kime, 0161 474 3574, Karen.kime@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to agree its formal response to the recommendations contained in the 24^th Annual Report of the Director of Public Health Report.

Cabinet Members stressed the centrality of public health and prevention to the broader challenges facing the Council.

Cabinet Members highlighted a range of activities related to their portfolios that contributed to the response.

RESOLVED – That the response to the Director of Public Health's 24th Annual Report be received and approval.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution)

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         approve the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2018/19, as set out in the attached Schedule; and

·         authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting on 17 July 2018.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider nominations of councillors to serve on outside bodies.

RESOLVED – That

·         the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2018/19, as set out in the attached Schedule be approved; and

·         the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, be authorised to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting on 17 July 2018.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Cabinet Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the recommendations as set out in the report.

Officer contact: Lorraine Cox, 07817 882169, Lorraine.Cox@star-procurement.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider growth proposals for the STAR Procurement partnership.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to cabinet members only)

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the recommendations contained in the exempt report be approved.

(Note: the Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order that the Cabinet could consider the matter and take action to ensure the Council could  comply with its statutory obligations).

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet Member to consider an update on the situation with the Stockport Property Alliance in light of the imminent liquidation of Carillion PLC.

RESOLVED – That the updated recommendations circulated at the meeting be approved.