Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 February 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

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.

The Chair stated that the Children and Young People’s/ Children and Families Scrutiny Committee had discussed over the last two years the growing number of pupils in Stockport with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) whose needs were such that they required a place at a special school. While Stockport had some of the highest quality of provision for SEND pupils these special schools faced challenges in accommodating the growing numbers of children with needs and there was insufficient capacity in the existing buildings.

While there had been a number of creative interim solutions to address the need to increase places in the short term the Council was committed to provide a high quality, long term solution to ensure that children were given the very best, world class learning environments where they could thrive. The Cabinet was therefore pleased to confirm that they would be bringing forward a significant capital investment in the primary phase to accommodate special educational needs pupils by providing a new purpose built special school.  The capital investment would in the main be financed from resources that would otherwise have been spent on transporting children and young people to schools outside of the borough and therefore was a positive investment of resources.

The Cabinet Member for Education emphasised the potential crisis in places but the Cabinet was committed to facing that challenge.

It was confirmed that a further update would be provided at the Council Meeting and a report and the case for investment would be discussed at the next Scrutiny Committee on 11 April and at the subsequent Cabinet meeting.

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 and members of the Cabinet on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet.

No public questions were submitted.

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 relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), 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 the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 9 ‘Stockport Exchange Temporary Car Park’ in the event that the appendix was discussed.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing and for Reform & Governance.

The Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) is Stockport’s statutory Community Safety Partnership.  It has responsibility for reducing crime and disorder, substance misuse and re-offending. 

This SSP Plan outlines the key strategic priorities for the Partnership over the next 3 years, providing a high level annual plan of key multi-agency activity and interventions to address the refreshed priority issues, and specific performance measures are identified for each area.

The Plan takes account of the GM Police and Crime Plan and underpinning needs assessment.  A Draft GM Police and Crime Plan was approved by the GM Police and Crime Panel in December 2017 and, following a public consultation, a final Plan was approved by the Panel on 22nd February.

This Plan is developed in a challenging financial context coupled with increases in recorded crime and changes in the nature and complexity of issues being dealt with, such as cybercrime, modern slavery and human trafficking.  A focus on Communities and Places threads throughout the SSP Plan, recognising the importance of working with our communities and across organisations to addressing these challenges and making Stockport a safer place to live. 

The Cabinet is asked to approve the draft Safer Stockport Partnership Plan for submission to the Council Meeting on 5 April.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161-474-3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk 

A joint report of the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing and for Reform & Governance was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the draft Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) Strategic Plan for 2018-2021, outlining the key strategic priorities for the Partnership over the next 3 years, providing a high level annual plan of key multi-agency activity and interventions to address the refreshed priority issues, and specific performance measures identified for each area.

The Plan took into account of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Plan and underpinning needs assessment.  The draft of this plan had been approved by the SSP Board on 8 February, and also considered by the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee and Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in February 2018.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the thoroughness of the consultation that had been undertaken with a range of stakeholders and partners.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) Strategic Plan for 2018-2021.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing.

The Council’s Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 -2021 was approved by the Executive in December 2016. Since then, the Government has brought forward legislative changes via the 2017 Homelessness Reduction Act to ensure those at risk of or experiencing homelessness are provided with the advice and support that they need to alleviate these circumstances. This annual update to the 2016 Preventing Homelessness Strategy therefore seeks to incorporate and respond to these changes, as well as providing an up to date review of homelessness in Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 – 2021 – Update 2018.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider revisions to the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 -2021, amended in light of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to incorporate and respond to changes, as well as providing an up to date review of homelessness in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that while the Council and Stockport Homes had been successful at minimising homelessness in Stockport, demand for housing was rising. The importance of prevention was emphasised and this would remain a key priority.

The Cabinet Member for Health highlighted the challenge of homelessness faced by ex-service personnel.

RESOLVED – That the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 – 2021 – Update 2018 be approved.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing

Stockport Council’s housing allocation policy was last fully reviewed in December 2016 and outlines who can seek rehousing through the local authority, the properties they can apply for and how people are prioritised for available homes.  This relates to both the letting of Council owned properties, and nominations to housing associations within the Borough. 

The policy must adhere to a legal framework outlined in part 6 of the 1996 Housing Act, an element of which mandates that certain groups of applicants must be given ‘reasonable’ preference in determining who is allocated properties.  This already applies to people who are homeless and some who face losing their accommodation within 28 days, but the 2017 Homelessness Reduction Act, which comes into effect from April 2018, will mean preference needs to be given to all applicants who are threatened with homelessness within 56 days.

This report recommends the extension of rehousing preference to applicants meeting this criterion, ensuring legal compliance and offering greater assistance to those at risk of losing accommodation.  In addition, while not altering the priority afforded to applicants who are actually homeless, changes to the wording of the policy are required to reflect the legal framework created by the new act.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy set out at Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the Housing Allocation Policy that set out how people were prioritised for available homes when seeking rehousing by the Council. The policy was developed in line with the legal framework established by the Housing Act 1996, but also reflecting new requirements in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

RESOLVED - That the proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

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

(Note: the report includes information ‘not for publication’ in its appendix that has been circulated to cabinet members only)

This report seeks authority to construct a temporary car park on the Cineworld site following its demolition in 2018. The proposed temporary car park will provide a revenue-generating use for the former Cineworld plot after demolition works have been carried out and help to address the demand for parking capacity identified for the Town Centre South zone in the Car Parking Strategy.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·           Progress the development of a tarmac temporary car park, utilising prudential borrowing,

·           Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to take such actions as are necessary to progress the delivery of the temporary car park to a successful completion.

·           Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing to take such actions as are necessary to progress the operation (including setting tariffs), of the temporary car park to a successful completion.

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 a proposal to provide a temporary car park at Stockport Exchange following the demolition of the former Cineworld Cinema building in preparation for Phase 3 of the development.

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

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the proposal would be in keeping with the high quality public realm at the development as well as generate additional revenue and be provided for approximately six years.

RESOLVED – That the in relation to the proposed temporary car park at Stockport Exchange:-

·         approval be given to progressing the development of a tarmac temporary car park, utilising prudential borrowing;

·         the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, be authorised to take such actions as were necessary to progress the delivery of the temporary car park to a successful completion; and

·         the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing be authorised to take such actions as were necessary to progress the operation (including setting tariffs), of the temporary car park to a successful completion.

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

Following the consultation on the Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) the draft document has been reviewed and amended. This report provides an update of the results of the consultation and identifies the ways in which the final draft of the ROWIP has been amended address the concerns identified.

The main changes to the ROWIP have been:

•      amendments to the way the plan deals with the issue of the protection of the natural environment and the historic environment while still looking to improve the rights of way in the borough to enable them to be more useful to modern day needs. This includes a new section of the document at 5.3.

•      amendments to the way the plan deals with the needs of equestrian groups. This includes a new section of the document at 5.5.

•      amendments in the way the document deals with accessibility for all users so that the needs of the disabled and the needs of ethnic minority and minority user groups are addressed. The proposed degree of changes to routes has been clarified.

•      amendments to clarify how the document deals with conflict between users.

The Cabinet is requested to approve the adoption of the Rights Of Way Improvement Plan.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to approve the Rights of Way Improvement Plan following the completion of a public consultation. The assessment carried out in preparation of the Plan considered the extent to which local rights of way met the present and likely future needs of the public; the opportunities provided for exercise and outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of the district; the accessibility for blind and partially sighted people and others with mobility problems.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the significant work that had gone into preparing the plan and the complexity of the issues involved, but commended the readability of the Plan document. She further commented that while the number of responses to the consultation may have appeared modest the majority had been on behalf of organisations or groups so represented the considered responses of a larger number of people.

Cabinet members welcomed the Plan, in particular the health benefits possible from rights of way by providing opportunities for walking and the fact it addressed a number of the concerns that were often raised with councillors by residents. The challenges of restricting access to rights of way by motorised vehicles while maintaining access for other users were emphasised.

RESOLVED – That the Rights of Way Improvement Plan be approved and adopted.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

In Autumn 2016 the Cabinet set out an ambitious vision to work differently with communities in Stockport. Building on previous working papers published throughout 2017 this report gives an update on the significant progress made to implement this vision, and recommends that Cabinet invest up to £1.0m to implement a radical new approach to community investment.

The report restates the vision for Working with Communities, gives examples of impact and learning to date – including from the ‘beta phase’ of the community investment fund, the work to develop a new model of engagement in the Heatons and the development Stockport Local – and sets out plans for how the Cabinet will continue to empower and support our local communities.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·                     Note the update on work underway to progress the working with communities ambition since Cabinet’s decision in October;

·                     In line with this decision in principle, agree the proposal relating to the Stockport Local Fund, including:

·         the overview of the Fund and the rules by which it will work;

·         the recommendation to pilot this Fund over a two year period using reserves;

·         to allocate  £1m from reserves in line with the reserves policy which will be updated following the 2017/18 outturn position.

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the previously agreed Working with Communities programme – including the ‘beta phase’ of the community investment fund, work to develop a new model of engagement in the Heatons and the development of Stockport Local – and setting out plans to continue to empower and support local communities.

The Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance welcomed the proposals coming forward as one of the Cabinet’s long term aspirations to give greater emphasis to early intervention and prevention.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that grants from the fund would be used to support savings as part of the Council’s budget setting process, which was a positive and constructive response to the challenges of funding austerity.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Working with Communities work:-

·         the update on work underway to progress the working with communities ambition since Cabinet’s decision in October be noted;

·         in line with this decision in principle, the proposal relating to the Stockport Local Fund be approved, including:

-       the overview of the Fund and the rules by which it will work;

-       the recommendation to pilot this Fund over a two year period using reserves;

-       to allocate  £1m from reserves in line with the reserves policy which will be updated following the 2017/18 outturn position.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.