Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 29 June 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Meeting of the Council held on 29 June 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

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

The Mayor reported that on 13 July 2017 the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, had given approval to the nomination of Councillor Lisa Smart to the AGMA/ GMCA Housing, Planning & Environment Scrutiny Committee to enable Councillor Smart to represent the Council on this outside body in advance of this meeting of the Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – That the action be noted.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor welcomed Liam Pastore to the Council Meeting and reported that Liam had swam to the aid of a drowning woman off the coast of Formby beach on 18 June this year and brought her back to shore against a strong tide, where she was revived, undoubtedly saving her life. 

At this stage in proceedings, Members of the Council stood and applauded Liam Pastore in recognition of his selfless act of bravery.

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

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and Councillors on matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Eight public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to why the Council was allowing the creation of Stockport Together alongside the selling off of parts of Stepping Hill Hospital which would destroy and privatise the NHS.

The Cabinet Member for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that part of the assumptions in the question were not accurate, such as the claim that beds would be cut by 30%, whereas the aim was to reduce emergency admissions by 30% which was because Stockport was one of the highest admitters in the country.  Further, there was no aim to reduce access to emergency services whereas there was a plan to reduce the need for those services. 

·         Relating to whether the Council would commit to continuing to fully fund fully functional services in Stockport to protect those people who had suffered or who do suffer from domestic violence.

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that there were no plans to change the budget for these services in Stockport.

·         Relating to the traffic modelling used with regard to the A6-M60 Relief Road Business Case and whether this was questionable in the light of such modelling taking place in advance of the opening of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road and in advance of the final proposals in the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that traffic modelling was a complex issue and the modelling done to date has been completed in full accordance with government guidance.  It was commented that should the scheme be progressed through the development process, then the traffic model would be reviewed and updated where necessary.

·         Relating to why the Council denied that the Stockport Together proposals amounted to a Sustainability and Transformation Plan and when the Council would tell the truth and abandon the plan that would eventually leave many residents without healthcare.

The Cabinet Member for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that Stockport Together was not a Sustainability and Transformation Plan, as Stockport Together was a bespoke organisation which predated the introduction of Sustainability and Transformation Plans. 

·         Relating to the replacement of play equipment in Bean Leach Park, Hazel Grove.

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that the play improvements at Bean Leach Park had been funded from the Play Builder Fund along with 22 other play areas in Stockport.  At that time a grass mat surfacing had been provided which has subsequently not proven to be as robust as was originally thought. Inspections had taken place which had resulted a number of pieces of equipment being removed because of the danger of falling from height onto the surface.  A priority list had been drawn up for the replacement of the grass mat surfacing across the Borough and Bean Leach Park was included in the Priority 2 phase, with Priority 1 phase almost being completed.

·         Relating to whether the Council would lobby the Mayor of Greater Manchester to implement a comprehensive half price ticketing scheme for 16-18 year olds or the proposals for free bus travel for that age group as promised in advance of the election.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that she agreed that there needed to be further progress on this matter, but that this was the start of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s tenure and he remained committed to cheaper bus travel for young people and the current phase benefited those young people who had no need to travel on a daily basis.

Councillor Taylor further commented that transportation in Greater Manchester was going through a transitional period, and that comparisons with Transport for London was not valid as they currently had a greater range of powers than Transport  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(i)

To receive petitions, and by prior arrangement, receive delegations and presentations from members of the public, community groups or partnership organisations.

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the joint authorities:-

(b)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

Councillor Wendy Wild to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(c)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee:-

(a)       Section 41 Spokespersons

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.

(b)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(c)        Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor McGahan commented on the confusion surrounding the recent nomination process for members of the scrutiny committees for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and asked whether the Leader of the Council would comment on the process whereby there had been no effective scrutiny of the Combined Authority as a result of this, and how this situation had been allowed to arise.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Alex Ganotis) stated that in his view the process could have been deal with more effectively and that it was regrettable that the final arrangements for membership would not be finalised until October, however the new arrangements in terms of the number, membership and remit of the scrutiny committees would in the future lead to better scrutiny of the Combined Authority.

Councillor Dowse asked a question of Councillor Taylor with regard to the recent launch of the ‘my get me there’ public transport smart card.  It was commented that as the smart card did not work with its corresponding mobile app; did not work on all buses operating in Greater Manchester; could not be used on trains within the region; and further that Metrolink did not operate within the Borough, how would it assist the residents of Stockport to travel around the conurbation.

Councillor Taylor responded that the new smart ticketing scheme was part of a wider approach to encourage the co-ordination of public transportation services throughout Greater Manchester, and that there was a package of additional measures, including those contained with the Bus Services Act 201 which could facilitate this in the future.  It was further commented that the Council had policies in place which aimed to bring Metrolink to Stockport in the future. 

Councillor Christine Corris asked Councillor Taylor a question in relation to the indicative rail timetable for May 2018 which had been shared on a confidential basis with a number of rail user groups, and which included potential changes to rail services within Stockport.  Councillor Corris asked whether Councillor Taylor agreed with her that this information should be placed in the public domain as soon as possible.

Councillor Taylor responded that he very much agreed with the premise of the question.

Councillor Christine Corris asked the Leader of the Council (Councillor Alex Ganotis) whether he agreed that information on proposed rails service changes should be shared with the travelling public in time for them to make representations to Northern Rail, and whether Councillor Ganotis would raise the matter at the next meeting of the Combined Authority to ensure that this happened.

Councillor Ganotis responded that there had been a recent consultation on rail timetable changes which had included a degree of confusion in relation to Northern Rail’s proposals, and that he would ensure that the matter was raised at the next meeting of the Combined Authority.

Councillor Lloyd asked a question of Councillor Taylor in relation to the costs associated with the introduction of the ‘my get me there’ smart ticketing system.

Councillor Taylor stated that he would provide a written response in relation to this matter.

Councillor Lloyd then asked whether Councillor Taylor agreed with the use of bimodal trains instead of the full electrification of the TransPennine line.

Councillor Taylor responded that bimodal trains were an inefficient way of providing propulsion for rail vehicles as they had to two forms of equipment, one of which would be redundant for part of the journey.

Councillor Hurleston asked a question of Councillor Brett in relation to the recent resignation of the County Fire Officer & Chief Executive and whether an update could be provided on this situation.

Councillor Brett responded that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(iii)

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Alex Ganotis) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the annual treasury report reviewing treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2016/17.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the actual 2016/17 prudential and treasury indicators in the report.

(2) That the annual treasury management report for 2016/17 be noted.

(3) That it be noted that no fundamental changes had been made during 2016/17 to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices approved at the Council Meeting on 16 September 2016.

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and other members of the Cabinet on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) (Councillor Alex Ganotis) welcomed the Council’s new Chief Executive, Pam Smith, to her first meeting of the Council Meeting and thanked Laureen Donnan for her work as Interim Chief Executive.

Councillor Ganotis then provided an update to the Council Meeting in respect of the budget including the recent publication of the Stockport Together Business Cases which included the anticipated savings to the Council in the long term as a result of the proposals.  It was further reported that the last meeting of the Cabinet had considered the service reforms the Cabinet had set in train last year which had projected savings to the Council of £4.1 million.

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) reported that following the Grenfell Tower fire, Stockport Homes was still waiting for the Buildings Research Establishment to undertake tests of the panels from tower blocks in Stockport.  However, independently of the BRE testing, the manufacturers of those panels had agreed to undertake testing of the panels in their own right.  It was therefore anticipated that the panels would be given a BR 135 certificate in the near future.

Councillor Bailey further commented that with regard to the retrofitting of sprinklers in Stockport’s tower blocks, the original intention had been to commission specialist fire safety consults to look at each block.  However, due to the pressure on the available consultants from the across the country it had not yet been possible to engage these services.  However, Stockport Homes had worked with a number of companies to obtain indicative costings and assessments.

The Cabinet Member for Education (Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick) congratulated all of Stockport learners for their achievements over the last year which had delivered fantastic results for Stockport.  Councillor Fitzpatrick further congratulated Stockport’s Head of Participation and Education Services for reaching the regional finals for the National Apprenticeships Awards.

Councillor Fitzpatrick then announced the launch of a long term strategic capital investment programme in Stockport’s schools totalling £25 million which would be used to deal with the fabric and capacity issues.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Families (Councillor Colin Foster) reported that Ofsted had recently undertaken a four week inspection of Stockport’s Children’s Services which had been judged to be good, while adoption services had been graded as outstanding.

The Cabinet Member for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that following the Council’s agreement to light the Town Hall blue and orange in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, he would be requesting the support of the Council to sign up the MND Charter.

Councillor McGee then thanked the 16 members who attended the recent CPR training which had been conducted following the agreement of the Council Meeting on 29 June 2017, and that there would be a second tranche of training made available.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) referred to the reform agenda that had been earlier reported upon by the Leader of the Council, but in particular highlighted the Stockport Investment Fund which was an ambitious reform item which provided  an opportunity not just do things differently but also what the Council could to do to generate and save money as well.  The fund provided £1 million of funding for people in communities to come together, learn and organise within their communities.

To answer questions and receive comments from Councillors addressed to the Leader of the Council or other members of the Cabinet, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution); The Deputy Leader of the Council (Adult Social Care); and the Executive Councillors (Children & Families), (Communities & Housing), (Economy & Regeneration), (Education), (Health) and (Reform & Governance) answered questions and responded to comments relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 12 July, 18 July and 15 August 2017 and the record of executive decisions taken since the last Council Meeting, (schedule enclosed, decisions previously circulated) and consider any recommendations they contain.

The Mayor declared the minutes of the Cabinet Meetings held on 12 July, 18 July and 15 August 2017 and the record of executive decision taken since the last meeting of the Council to be duly received.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of Scrutiny business.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Scrutiny Chairs, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

There were no questions relating to the business of the Scrutiny Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

Adult Social Care & Health – 27 June and 25 July 2017

Children & Families – 5 July and 2 August 2017

Communities & Housing – 3 July and 31 July 2017

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 4 July and 1 August 2017

Economy & Regeneration – 6 July and 3 August 2017

The Mayor declared the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Adult Social Care & Health – 27 June and 25 July 2017

Children & Families – 5 July and 2 August 2017

Communities & Housing – 3 July and 31 July 2017

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 4 July and 1 August 2017

Economy & Regeneration – 6 July and 3 August 2017

To consider the Scrutiny Review Programme 2017/18.

A report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer was submitted outlining the development of work programmes for scrutiny committees in 2017/18 and providing details of a proposed programme of reviews to be carried out by Scrutiny Committees in 2017/18.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Scrutiny Review Work Programme for 2017/18.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Planning & Highways Regulation; Licensing, Environment & Safety; and Audit Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation, Licensing, Environment and Safety or Audit Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Chairs of Ordinary and Area Committees, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

There were no questions relating to the business of the Ordinary, Area and Ward Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the minutes of the following Ordinary and Area Committees:-

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 13 July 2017

Audit – 19 July 2017

Contributors – 20 July 2017

Employment Appeals – 18 July 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 21 June and 26 July 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 24 May, 16 August and 30 August 2017

Member – 31 July 2017

Planning & Highways Regulation – 22 June and 27 July 2017

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 13 July and 10 August 2017

Central Stockport – 13 July and 10 August 2017

Cheadle – 11 July and 8 August 2017

Heatons & Reddish – 10 July and 7 August 2017

Marple – 12 July and 9 August 2017

Stepping Hill – 11 July and 8 August 2017

Werneth – 10 July and 7 August 2017

Ward Committees

Brinnington & Reddish Joint – 17 July 2017

Hazel Grove – 21 June 2017

The Mayor declared the Minutes of the following Ordinary, Area and Ward Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 13 July 2017

Audit – 19 July 2017

Contributors – 20 July 2017

Employment Appeals – 18 July 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 21 June and 26 July 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 24 May, 16 August and 30 August 2017

Member – 31 July 2017

Planning & Highways Regulation – 22 June and 27 July 2017

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 13 July and 10 August 2017

Central Stockport – 13 July and 10 August 2017

Cheadle – 11 July and 8 August 2017

Heatons & Reddish – 10 July and 7 August 2017

Marple – 12 July and 9 August 2017

Stepping Hill – 11 July and 8 August 2017

Werneth – 10 July and 7 August 2017

Ward Committees

Brinnington & Reddish Joint – 17 July 2017

Hazel Grove – 21 June 2017

To consider the Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit Committee 2016/17.

A report of the Chair of the Audit Committee (copies of which had been circulated) was submitted which demonstrated how the Audit Committee had fulfilled its terms of reference during the financial year and how it was fully committed to helping to improve the Council’s governance and control environments during the year ahead.  The report further outlined how the committee’s activities during the financial year were designed to make a positive contribution to the continual improvement of governance arrangements across the Council, as well as performing the statutory roles as

identified in the Constitution.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This Council Meeting believes that the continuation of the public sector pay cap is having an unreasonable effect on the living standards of many public sector staff, and that it is affecting recruitment and retention across the sector.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to request that:

·         the cap is lifted to allow the implementation of the recommendations of Pay Review Bodies and negotiations with employers; and

·         subsequent pay increases be fully funded via central government settlement.

Moved by:                  Councillor Mark Hunter

Seconded by:            Councillor Laura Booth

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) at the request of the mover of the motion the Council Meeting gave its consent to the alteration of the motion as tabled to incorporate an alteration which had been published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

RESOLVED – (44 for, 10 abstentions) This Council Meeting believes that the continuation of the public sector pay cap is having an unreasonable effect on the living standards of many public sector staff, and that it is affecting recruitment and retention across the sector.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to request that:

·         the cap is lifted to allow Pay Review Bodies to produce new recommendations and allow fresh negotiations with employers and worker representative bodies to go forward; and

·         subsequent pay increases be fully funded via central government settlement.

A named vote was requested in relation to the voting on this resolution and the voting was recorded as follows:-

The councillors who voted for the resolution were:-

The Deputy Mayor; Councillors Geoff Abell, Malcolm Allan, Sheila Bailey, Stuart Bodsworth, Laura Booth, Kate Butler, Anna Charles-Jones, Richard Coaton, Christine Corris, Stuart Corris, Becky Crawford,  Dickie Davies, Roy Driver, Dean Fitzpatrick, Colin Foster, Alex Ganotis, Lord Goddard, Graham Greenhalgh, Tom Grundy, Yvonne Guariento, Philip Harding, Daniel Hawthorne, Keith Holloway, Sylvia Humphreys, Mark Hunter, Tom McGee, Wendy Meikle, Chris Murphy, John Pantall,  Paul Porgess, Iain Roberts, David Sedgwick, Lisa Smart, June Somekh, Andy Sorton, Charlie Stewart, John Taylor, Jon Twigge, Mark Weldon, Wendy Wild, David Wilson, Elise Wilson and Suzanne Wyatt.

The councillors who abstained were:-

Councillors Brian Bagnall, Tom Dowse, Annette Finnie, Paul Hadfield, Mike Hurleston, Oliver Johnstone, Syd Lloyd, John McGahan, Alanna Vine and John Wright.

This council meeting notes:

·         the recent 50th anniversary of the change in law which partially decriminalised male homosexuality;

·         the great strides our society has taken towards accepting and supporting the needs and rights of the LGBT+ community, including the recognition of sexuality as a protected characteristic under equalities legislation; and

·         that there are still huge challenges to be faced, including over a third of LGBT+ employees having experienced harassment or bullying at work.

This council meeting further notes the specific challenges faced by those who identify as bisexual, including:

·         more than one in four bisexual employees hiding their sexuality at work, compared with one in six among gay and lesbian employees;

·         being subjected to specific abuse over unreliability, promiscuity or confusion about their sexuality, including from some who identify as gay and lesbian;

·         being more likely to experience mental health problems in general (43% compared to 25% in the wider population); and

·         being twice as likely to experience depression and/or anxiety (34% compared to 17% in the wider population).

This council meeting welcomes:

·         the support provided by local organisations such as BiPhoria in Manchester, the UK’s longest running bisexual support project;

·         the support given locally and nationally to IDAHOBIT day;

·         the growing success of Bi Visibility Day, held each year on 23rd September since 1999; and

·         the support given to this event by many councils, including flying the bisexual pride flag or light up civic buildings in the flag’s pink, purple and blue colours.

This council meeting believes

·         that, as a responsible employer, the council should do all it can to ensure that all employees feel safe and confident to be open about their sexuality; and

·         that, as a commissioner and provider of general and specialist services, this council should do all it can to ensure that service users are treated with dignity that takes account of the wide variety of sexuality they may have and the different needs they may have as a result.

This council meeting therefore resolves

·         to ensure that all staff receive mandatory training on equality in the workplace that is refreshed at appropriate intervals;

·         to ensure all staff involved in service delivery receive additional training on equality;

·         that such training includes specific information relevant to bisexuality; and

·         that this council adds Bi Visibility Day to the calendar of events it marks, lighting up the town hall in pink, purple and blue and flying the bisexual pride flag.

Moved by:                 Councillor Lisa Smart

Seconded by:           Councillor David Sedgwick

RESOLVED - This council meeting notes:

·         the recent 50th anniversary of the change in law which partially decriminalised male homosexuality;

·         the great strides our society has taken towards accepting and supporting the needs and rights of the LGBT+ community, including the recognition of sexuality as a protected characteristic under equalities legislation; and

·         that there are still huge challenges to be faced, including over a third of LGBT+ employees having experienced harassment or bullying at work.

This council meeting further notes the specific challenges faced by those who identify as bisexual, including:

·         more than one in four bisexual employees hiding their sexuality at work, compared with one in six among gay and lesbian employees;

·         being subjected to specific abuse over unreliability, promiscuity or confusion about their sexuality, including from some who identify as gay and lesbian;

·         being more likely to experience mental health problems in general (43% compared to 25% in the wider population); and

·         being twice as likely to experience depression and/or anxiety (34% compared to 17% in the wider population).

This council meeting welcomes:

·         the support provided by local organisations such as BiPhoria in Manchester, the UK’s longest running bisexual support project;

·         the support given locally and nationally to IDAHOBIT day;

·         the growing success of Bi Visibility Day, held each year on 23rd September since 1999; and

·         the support given to this event by many councils, including flying the bisexual pride flag or light up civic buildings in the flag’s pink, purple and blue colours.

This council meeting believes

·         that, as a responsible employer, the council should do all it can to ensure that all employees feel safe and confident to be open about their sexuality; and

·         that, as a commissioner and provider of general and specialist services, this council should do all it can to ensure that service users are treated with dignity that takes account of the wide variety of sexuality they may have and the different needs they may have as a result.

This council meeting therefore resolves

·         to ensure that all staff receive mandatory training on equality in the workplace that is refreshed at appropriate intervals;

·         to ensure all staff involved in service delivery receive additional training on equality;

·         that such training includes specific information relevant to bisexuality; and

·         that this council adds Bi Visibility Day to the calendar of events it marks, lighting up the town hall in pink, purple and blue and flying the bisexual pride flag.

This Council notes;

·         the laudable aims of the Reclaim project, namely the ending of leadership inequality which prevents working class young people with talent, imagination, ambition and drive, from fulfilling their leadership potential.

·         the positive contribution of the intensive, high impact leadership programmes ran by Reclaim, aimed at for 12-15 year olds from working-class communities and further support through an Alumni Network until they reach 22;

·         the positive and valuable effect the Reclaim project is having on those young people from working-class backgrounds who take part in the project.

This Council further notes with approval that this project has resulted in;

·         dozens of children and young adults from working-class areas in Stockport joining counterparts from Greater Manchester in a public demonstration -Walk For Change- against homophobia, racism, negative stereotyping, sexual grooming and anti-religious bigotry;

·         the production of a manifesto by the young people of Brinnington and Adswood over the previous 18-month period, building on their 2013 manifesto – which has received the support of councillors attending the Children & Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee and the Central Area Committee.

This Council therefore resolves that:

·         Councillors should continue to play an important role in helping to build the confidence and self-esteem of young people from working class backgrounds;

·         As a body, we will continue to support the work of the Reclaim project across political groupings;

·         In so doing, we act in full support of the previous and current Reclaim manifesto principles; in particular:

o   “See me for who I am, not where I am from

o   “Look harder, see the good shining through the bad

o   “Living on a council estate is nothing to be ashamed of

o   “Please don't stereotype girls from Brinnington

o   “People have the right to love whoever

o   “Stop homophobia

o   “Teachers should build confidence, not knock it down.”

Moved by:                  Councillor Andy Sorton

Seconded by:           Councillor Chris Murphy

RESOLVED - This Council notes;

·         the laudable aims of the Reclaim project, namely the ending of leadership inequality which prevents working class young people with talent, imagination, ambition and drive, from fulfilling their leadership potential.

·         the positive contribution of the intensive, high impact leadership programmes ran by Reclaim, aimed at for 12-15 year olds from working-class communities and further support through an Alumni Network until they reach 22;

·         the positive and valuable effect the Reclaim project is having on those young people from working-class backgrounds who take part in the project.

This Council further notes with approval that this project has resulted in;

·         dozens of children and young adults from working-class areas in Stockport joining counterparts from Greater Manchester in a public demonstration -Walk For Change- against homophobia, racism, negative stereotyping, sexual grooming and anti-religious bigotry;

·         the production of a manifesto by the young people of Brinnington and Adswood over the previous 18-month period, building on their 2013 manifesto – which has received the support of councillors attending the Children & Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee and the Central Area Committee.

This Council therefore resolves that:

·         Councillors should continue to play an important role in helping to build the confidence and self-esteem of young people from working class backgrounds;

·         As a body, we will continue to support the work of the Reclaim project across political groupings;

·         In so doing, we act in full support of the previous and current Reclaim manifesto principles; in particular:

o   “See me for who I am, not where I am from

o   “Look harder, see the good shining through the bad

o   “Living on a council estate is nothing to be ashamed of

o   “Please don't stereotype girls from Brinnington

o   “People have the right to love whoever

o   “Stop homophobia

o   “Teachers should build confidence, not knock it down.”

This council notes:

·         the valuable contribution made by public sector staff across wide range of areas, from administering our democracy, to saving lives, teaching future leaders, keeping us safe and providing essential services to the public and most vulnerable in society;

·         that despite this, National Joint Council (NJC) workers have faced had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2013, followed by below-inflation increases for each year up to 31 March 2018;

·         terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut across many organisations, further impacting their overall earnings;

·         that in consequence, NJC basic pay has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms, and

·         NJC pay remains the lowest in the public sector.

This Council further notes that:

·         there are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation;

·         this is leading to a crisis in recruitment and retention, with 71% of Councils reporting recruitment and retention problems, resulting in a £2 billion (28%) increase in spending on temporary and contract staff between 2012 and 2015;

·         levels of public sector pay therefore cannot and should not be seen as Zero Sum in relation to the levels of funding ascribed to other public service provision- as staff quality and retention is central to administering and providing quality public services;

·         a range of major public sector unions (GMB, Unite, Unison) are unified in their view that this is an unsustainable situation.

This Council therefore;

·         supports the immediate end of public sector pay restraint, resourced through Government funding which is specifically ring-fenced for this purpose-alongside, and not at the expense of much needed funding increases in other service areas.

·         supports the 2018 NJC pay claim submitted by UNISON,GMB and Unite (available at: http://www.unitetheunion.org/uploaded/documents/NJC%20Pay%20Claim%202018-1911-31344.pdf) on behalf of council and school workers.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         call immediately on the LGA to make urgent representations to Government to fund the NJC claim and the pay spine review and notify us of their action in this regard;

·         write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor supporting the NJC pay claim and seeking additional -ring fenced- funding for a decent pay rise and the pay spine review, while noting the need for additional funding alongside this;

·         meet with local NJC union representatives to convey support for the pay claim and the pay spine review.

Moved by:                  Councillor David Sedgwick

Seconded by:           Councillor Dickie Davies

RESOLVED – (44 for, 9 against) This council notes:

·         the valuable contribution made by public sector staff across wide range of areas, from administering our democracy, to saving lives, teaching future leaders, keeping us safe and providing essential services to the public and most vulnerable in society;

·         that despite this, National Joint Council (NJC) workers have faced had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2013, followed by below-inflation increases for each year up to 31 March 2018;

·         terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut across many organisations, further impacting their overall earnings;

·         that in consequence, NJC basic pay has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms, and

·         NJC pay remains the lowest in the public sector.

This Council further notes that:

·         there are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation;

·         this is leading to a crisis in recruitment and retention, with 71% of Councils reporting recruitment and retention problems, resulting in a £2 billion (28%) increase in spending on temporary and contract staff between 2012 and 2015;

·         levels of public sector pay therefore cannot and should not be seen as Zero Sum in relation to the levels of funding ascribed to other public service provision- as staff quality and retention is central to administering and providing quality public services;

·         a range of major public sector unions (GMB, Unite, Unison) are unified in their view that this is an unsustainable situation.

This Council therefore;

·         supports the immediate end of public sector pay restraint, resourced through Government funding which is specifically ring-fenced for this purpose-alongside, and not at the expense of much needed funding increases in other service areas.

·         supports the 2018 NJC pay claim submitted by UNISON,GMB and Unite (available at: http://www.unitetheunion.org/uploaded/documents/NJC%20Pay%20Claim%202018-1911-31344.pdf) on behalf of council and school workers.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         call immediately on the LGA to make urgent representations to Government to fund the NJC claim and the pay spine review and notify us of their action in this regard;

·         write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor supporting the NJC pay claim and seeking additional -ring fenced- funding for a decent pay rise and the pay spine review, while noting the need for additional funding alongside this;

·         meet with local NJC union representatives to convey support for the pay claim and the pay spine review.

This Council recognises the important work undertaken by the The Fawcett Society in preparing the report ‘Does Local Government work for women?’ as part of the Women in Local Government Commission, and acknowledges its findings over the barriers still faced by women in Local Government- leading to the current situation where:

·         just one in three Local Councillors are women;

·         the pace of change is slow, going up by just 5% points since 1997, national trends SMBC representation has failed to match, with 18 female representatives in 1997 and rising just 20 today (29 percent rising to 31 percent respectively);

·         nationally women are outnumbered six-to-one in finance or economic development roles;

·         only 17 per cent of council leaders are women – a figure that has hardly shifted for 10 years, reflected in the fact just 12 percent of the Combined Authority leads are Female and the current leadership of the GMCA;

·         little progress has been made since the last Local Elections; and on current progress it will take County Councils until 2065 to reach equal representation. 

This Council further acknowledges that:

·         research from across the private sector routinely demonstrates that more diverse teams, including teams with a more even share of women perform more effectively than teams which are homogenous;

·         more inclusive Councils containing a more representative set of voices are better equipped to represent the population as a whole.

This Council is therefore supportive of the report’s recommendations that Local Authorities should seek to:

·         support parent and carer in Councils by introducing a formal maternity, paternity and adoption policy for Councillors, and ensuring care costs are covered;

·         tackle sexism by setting out acceptable behaviour standards for Councillors and driving cultural change;

·         make our council more diverse by breaking down barriers faced by disabled Councillors and BAME women;

·         support women’s progression within the Council by proactively seeking out women councillors for leadership roles;

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         Ask the Member Learning & Development Group to prepare a report upon the adequacy of support available to Members when affected by barriers outlined in the Fawcett Society report.

·         Ask the Standards Committee to review the current code of conduct to ensure incidences of harassment and discrimination are dealt with with appropriate force;

·         Request that the Democratic Services Manager (in consultation with the Independent Remuneration Panel) draft a formal maternity, paternity and adoption policy for Councillors for consideration by this Council Meeting.

·         Write to the co-chairs of the Report- Dame Margaret Hodge MP and Gillian Keegan MP, in recognition of this important piece of work, to notify them of this motion and our intention as a Council to work positively towards implementing the report recommendations.

·         Write to the Minister for Women and Equalities, the Rt Honorable Justine Greening to ask that Government engage proactively with the report agenda and facilitate Local Authorities where they need assistance in implementing its recommendations.

Moved by:                  Councillor Elise Wilson

Seconded by:           Councillor Becky Crawford

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) at the request of the mover of the motion the Council Meeting gave its consent to the alteration of the motion as tabled to incorporate an alteration which had been published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

RESOLVED - This Council recognises the important work undertaken by the The Fawcett Society in preparing the report ‘Does Local Government work for women?’ as part of the Women in Local Government Commission, and acknowledges its findings over the barriers still faced by women in Local Government- leading to the current situation where:

·         just one in three Local Councillors are women;

·         the pace of change is slow, going up by just 5% points since 1997, national trends SMBC representation has failed to match, with 18 female representatives in 1997 and rising just 20 today (29 percent rising to 31 percent respectively);

·         nationally women are outnumbered six-to-one in finance or economic development roles;

·         only 17 per cent of council leaders are women – a figure that has hardly shifted for 10 years, reflected in the fact just 12 percent of the Combined Authority leads are Female and the current leadership of the GMCA;

·         little progress has been made since the last Local Elections; and on current progress it will take County Councils until 2065 to reach equal representation. 

This Council further acknowledges that:

·         research from across the private sector routinely demonstrates that more diverse teams, including teams with a more even share of women perform more effectively than teams which are homogenous; and

·         more inclusive Councils containing a more representative set of voices are better equipped to represent the population as a whole.

This Council is therefore supportive of the report’s recommendations that Local Authorities should seek to:

·         support parent and carer in Councils by introducing a formal maternity, paternity and adoption policy for Councillors, and ensuring care costs are covered;

·         tackle sexism by setting out acceptable behaviour standards for Councillors and driving cultural change;

·         make our council more diverse by breaking down barriers faced by disabled Councillors and BAME women;

·         support women’s progression within the Council by proactively seeking out women councillors for leadership roles.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         Ask the Member Learning & Development Group to prepare a report upon the adequacy of support available to Members when affected by barriers outlined in the Fawcett Society report.

·         Ask the Standards Committee to review the current code of conduct to ensure incidences of harassment and discrimination are dealt with, with appropriate force;

·         Request that the Democratic Services Manager (in consultation with the Independent Remuneration Panel) to draft a formal maternity, paternity and adoption policy and a disability policy for Councillors for consideration by this Council Meeting;

·         Write to the co-chairs of the Report- Dame Margaret Hodge MP and Gillian Keegan MP, in recognition of this important piece of work, to notify them of this motion and our intention as a Council to work positively towards implementing the report recommendations;

·         Write to the Minister for Women and Equalities, the Rt Honorable Justine Greening to ask that Government engage proactively with the report agenda and facilitate Local Authorities where they need assistance in implementing its recommendations.

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

The Executive Councillor (Economy & Regeneration) (Councillor Kate Butler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application to establish the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum and High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area under the provisions of The Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the designation of the area as submitted as the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

(2) That approval be given to the application to formally establish the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum and that the forum be formally designated.