Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct records and sign the Minutes of the meetings held on 12 March and 29 March 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 12 and 29 March 2019 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.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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 to the notice relating to ‘Town Centre Regeneration – Former BHS Store’.

* Note: this report has been subject to an exemption, consented to by the appropriate scrutiny committee chair, because the Council was unable to meet the 28 day notice but the decision could not reasonably be delayed.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 13 and 14 as these items contained information that was ‘not for publication’.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration emphasised the commercial nature of the information contained in the reports and the need to ensure this was not publically disclosed at this stage in order to protect the Council’s position.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of following items:-

To consider a report of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee

The Children & Families Scrutiny Committee has undertaken a review on the Council’s relationships with academies. The academy programme has been in existence since 2002 and given the increasing number of schools that had converted to academies in recent years, particularly in the secondary sector, it was agreed that a review looking at how the Council engages with academies would be useful. The Review focussed on the following:-

•           Mental Wellbeing and Curriculum Provision

•           Special Educational Needs

•           School Commission, Admissions and Exclusions

The report sets out the Review’s finding and recommendations.

The Cabinet is recommended to consider the report and consider how it might respond to the report’s findings and recommendations.

Officer contact: Stephen Fox, 0161 474 3206, Stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

The Vice Chair of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee and Lead Councillor for the Review (Councillor Paul Porgess) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review ‘The Council’s Relationships with Academies’ (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

There was discussion with the Lead Councillor on the report, in particular the positive relationships the Council had maintained with those schools in Stockport that had become academies and the level of cooperation there was, and how this reflected the quality of the support services provided by the Council. There was comment that currently schools had too little choice over their status, with schools unable to easily revert back to being local authority maintained. It was further commented that the good quality services provided to schools needed to be maintained in order to ensure their continued ‘buy-back’ by schools otherwise they may become financial unviable.

RESOLVED – (1) That final report be received and noted, and the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education be requested to prepare a response to those recommendations of the Scrutiny Review ‘The Council’s Relationships with Academies’ that were addressed to the Cabinet.

(2) That the Cabinet Member for Education be requested to meet with the Chair of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee to discuss how best to ensure the timely submission of reports and updates to the Scrutiny Committee as had been recommended in the Scrutiny Review.

(3) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘The Council’s Relationships with Academies’ and others involved in the review.

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee.

As part of the 2018/19 Scrutiny Work Programme, the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee took the unusual step of undertaking a short review of its own, assessing how scrutiny was carried out in Stockport to determine what was considered was being done well, and what opportunities there were for improvement and using resource in a different and more efficient way. The review was undertaken by the Co-ordination Committee and additional members from the Labour and Independent Ratepayers Group to provide political balance.

The Cabinet is invited to consider the report and recommendations.

Officer contact: Stephen Fox, 0161 414 3206, stephen.fox@stockport.gov.uk

The Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee (Councillor Lisa Smart) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review ‘Undertaking Scrutiny in Stockport’ (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet. Councillor Smart also thanked those councillors who had joint the Review to provide political balance and emphasised the cross-party support for the recommendations.

Cabinet Members welcomed the Review and its timeliness in light of the impending commencement in the next Municipal Year of a review of the Council’s governance arrangements, emphasising the need to ensure that the findings and recommendations of the Scrutiny Review fed into that process.

Cabinet Members also commented on the positive examples of scrutiny activity undertaken in the past and the valuable contribution that scrutiny members made to the governance of the Council. Nevertheless, they acknowledged the need to review current practice to ensure it remained appropriate for the changing needs of the Council.

RESOLVED – (1) That final report of the Scrutiny Review ‘Undertaking Scrutiny in Stockport’ be received and noted.

(2) That the Chief Executive be requested to ensure that recommendations within the ‘Undertaking Scrutiny in Stockport’ Scrutiny Review be considered as part of the proposed Governance Review being undertaken in 2019/20.

(3) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Coordination Committee and additional councillors as part of the Review ‘Undertaking Scrutiny in Stockport’.

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

In March 2018, councils in Greater Manchester successfully bid to the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for £23.8m Local Full Fibre Networks funding (LFFN).

This report provides background and information on the Greater Manchester Full Fibre to Premises initiative and an update on this large complex project. The report also seeks a recommendation to support agreements on both financial investment from the Council and the provision of project management, technical, legal and procurement support.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·      agree in principle to the participation of the Council in the programme, the DCMS grant funding and signing of the Inter Authority Agreement and Delivery Management Agreement;

·      agree up-front capital investment of £740,000 (described in 5.3 and Appendix A of the report);

·      agree the allocation of staff resources including a project manager (described in 6.2 of the report);

·      delegate to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration authority to enter into any legal document and to take such other steps as are necessary to facilitate the programme; and

·      delegate to the Head of Legal, Democratic Governance, Estates and Asset Management authority do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen / Caroline Simpson, 0161 474 4631 / 0161 218 1940, michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk / caroline.simpson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the successfully Greater Manchester bid to the Government’s Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport for £23.8m Local Full Fibre Networks funding (LFFN) and inviting the Cabinet to consider proposals for additional support agreements on both financial investment from the Council and the provision of project management, technical, legal and procurement support to implement the programme.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the programme was public sector led, with ownership of the infrastructure remaining with local councils. This would ensure continuity of provision. The Council would also be able to benefit from increased capacity and lower costs.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the importance of this programme to the Greater Manchester Industrial Strategy and the significant increase in coverage of full fibre broadband.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Greater Manchester Full Fibre to Premises Programme:

·         agreement in principle be given to the participation of the Council in the programme, the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport grant funding and signing of appropriate Inter-Authority Agreements and Delivery Management Agreement to deliver the programme;

·         approval be given to the ‘up-front’ capital investment of £740,000 (as described in 5.3 and Appendix A of the report);

·         approval be given the allocation of staff resources including a project manager (as described in 6.2 of the report).

·         delegate to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration authority to enter into any legal document and to take such other steps as were necessary to facilitate the programme;

·         delegate to the Head of Legal, Democratic Governance, Estates and Asset Management authority do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

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

The report follows on from the Cabinet report in December 2018 and provides an update on the outcome of the GM Mayor’s consultation on creating a Mayoral Development Corporation in Stockport.  It also notifies the Council of the GM Mayor’s decision at the March 29th GMCA to notify the Secretary of State of his intention to establish the Mayoral Development Corporation.

The Cabinet is invited to

·         note and comment on the outcome of the consultation;

·         agree to the GM Mayor’s intention of notifying the Secretary of State of his decision to designate the Stockport Town Centre West area;

·         agree to the GM Mayor’s intention of notifying the Secretary of State of his decision to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (to be named the “Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation”) to lead the regeneration of Stockport’s Town Centre West area;

·         agree to the GM Mayor’s intention to initiate the process to recruit and appoint Board members (with relevant appointments made by Stockport Council in agreement with the Mayor);

·         agree to the GM Mayor’s intention to instruct GMCA and Stockport Council officers to work with Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government on the development of the necessary legislation, and to delegate approval of the draft constitution for the proposed Corporation to the CA Chief Legal Officer, in consultation with the GM Mayor.

Officer contact: Joseph Conmee, 0161-474-5396, joseph.conmee@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on progress with the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation for the Stockport Town Centre West, including the outcome of the GM Mayor’s consultation on proposals and the decision of the GMCA and the Mayor to refer the application to the Secretary of State for approval.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the cross-party support for these proposals and the commitment of all groups on the Council to the Town Centre West.

Cabinet Members emphasised the need to ensure that existing businesses in the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation area were kept informed of developments.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation for Town Centre West:-

·         the outcome of the consultation be noted;

·         agreement be given to the GM Mayor’s intention of notifying the Secretary of State of his decision to designate the Stockport Town Centre West area;

·         agreement be given to the GM Mayor’s intention of notifying the Secretary of State of his decision to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (to be named the “Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation”) to lead the regeneration of Stockport’s Town Centre West area;

·         agreement be given to the GM Mayor’s intention to initiate the process to recruit and appoint Board members (with relevant appointments made by Stockport Council in agreement with the Mayor);

·         agreement be given to the GM Mayor’s intention to instruct GMCA and Stockport Council officers to work with Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government on the development of the necessary legislation, and to delegate approval of the draft constitution for the proposed Corporation to the GMCA Chief Legal Officer, in consultation with the GM Mayor.

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

Stockport Council remained committed to our Armed Forces Community. The purpose of this report is to provide our regular update to Cabinet on the support offered to current and former members of the armed forces, reservists and their families as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Scrutiny committees are have considered a more targeted update on issues that are pertinent to their portfolio areas. This amalgamated report will also be distributed to Area Committees following Cabinet with a request that they consider what local activity is being undertaken in their area.

The Cabinet is asked to:

•      Note current work with relation to armed forces activities;

•      Continue to offer their support to the Armed Forces community;

•      Approve sharing current work that has progressed within the Council with Area Committees

Officer contact: Sue Williams, 0161 474 2175, sue.williams@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the Council’s activity to supported current and former members of the armed forces, reservists and their families as part of the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the breadth of the work being undertaken in Stockport and the continued efforts to improve and enhance the Covernant.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Armed Forces Covenant Update:-

·         that current work in relation to armed forces activities be noted;

·         the Cabinet’s reaffirm their support to the armed forces community;

·         approval be given to the report and the current work on the Armed Forces Covenant within the Council being shared with area committees.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council

The Cabinet it invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on:-

·         15 February 2019

·         29 March 2019

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) setting out decisions taken the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on 15 February, 1 and 29 March 2019.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the following decisions:-

·         The GMCA and Mayoral Budget setting decisions

·         Approval of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Outline Business Case

·         Approval of the Ignition Scheme to fund investment in natural capital

·         Roll-out of the Opportunity Pass that included 16-18 free bus travel

·         Consideration of the GM White paper on public service reform

·         Adoption of the 5 Year Environment Plan

·         Further allocations, including in Stockport, from the Walking and Cycling Challenge Scheme.

·         Agreement to seek consent to create the Mayoral Development Corporation for Stockport Town Centre West

·         Further allocations from the Housing Investment Fund including a loan to secure the redevelopment of St George’s Vicarage, Cale Green.

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were no recommendations to consider not otherwise included on the agenda.

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

(Note: the report contains information in appendices 2-7 that is ‘not for publication’ that have been circulated to cabinet members only)

The report seeks approval for the acquisition of the former BHS store, identified as a key strategic asset by the Cabinet in December 2017.  A further approval will be sought for the redevelopment of the asset at a future date.

The Cabinet give delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place and Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and Reform & Governance to:

•        acquire the former BHS store at a price up to the valuation set out in exempt Appendix 5.

•        agree the optimum means to hold and manage the asset (together as appropriate with other Council assets).

•        authorise the Head of Legal to take such other steps as are appropriate and necessary to secure the acquisition and ongoing management and regeneration of the asset.

Officer contact: Joseph Conmee, 0161-474-5396, joseph.conmee@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 for the Council to acquire the former BHS building, identified as a key strategic asset by the Cabinet in December 2017.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ in its appendices that had been circulated to cabinet members only).

RESOLVED – That in relation to the former BHS store, Merseyway, the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and Reform & Governance, be given delegated authority to:

•        acquire the former BHS store at a price up to the valuation set out in Confidential Appendix 5;

•        agree the optimum means to hold and manage the asset (together as appropriate with other Council assets);

•        authorise the Head of Legal, Democratic Governance and Estate & Asset Management to take such other steps as were appropriate and necessary to secure the acquisition and ongoing management and regeneration of the asset.

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

(Note: the report and appendices contain information ‘not for publication’ and have been circulated to cabinet members only)

This report seeks Cabinet approval to support the acquisition and redevelopment of a key property in Merseyway as part of the overall strategic approach to Merseyway Redevelopment as agreed by Cabinet in November 2018.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the property acquisition and redevelopment proposals in the exempt report and delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place and Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Reform & Governance and Economy & Regeneration to progress the proposals.

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 for the Council to support the acquisition and redevelopment of a key property in Merseyway as part of the Council’s overall strategic approach as agreed in November 2018.

(Note: the report and appendices contained information ‘not for publication’ that had been circulated to cabinet members only).

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Strategic Property Redevelopment in Merseyway, delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Reform & Governance and Economy & Regeneration, to progress the property acquisition and redevelopment proposals in the report and give effect to the recommendations contained in the exempt report.

The Deputy Leader of the Council referred to this being the last Cabinet Meeting to be chaired by the current Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Ganotis, before he was due to retire from the Council. On behalf of the Cabinet, the Deputy Leader thanked Councillor Ganotis for his leadership in the past three years and paid tribute to his legacy as Leader of the Council. She wished him and his family the best for the future.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Cabinet for their warm wishes and wished them luck for the future.