Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 14 September 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Meeting of the Council held on 14 September 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.

No urgent decisions were reported.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

With regret, the Mayor referred to the recent death of former Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Barbara Haley on Friday, 20 October. It was reported that the Funeral would be held on Thursday, 2 November at 11.30am at St George’s Church, Stockport.

The Mayor invited all those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Mrs Haley.

The Mayor then reported that she would be observing a two minute silence on Armistice Day on Saturday, 11 November on the steps of the Stockport War Memorial and Art Gallery.  It was further reported that the Civic Act of Remembrance would take place on the following day, Sunday, 12 November.

Finally, the Mayor reported that BBC’s Question Time had been filmed in Stockport Town Hall on 5 October 2017.  The Mayor extended her thanks to all those officers involved in facilitating the efficient organisation of the event.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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 any matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Six public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to whether in view of the proposed route of the A6 to M60 bypass which would pass next to homes, Dial Park Primary School and the consequent impact it would have on green spaces, Councillor Meikle would oppose the construction of the bypass.

Councillor Wendy Meikle responded that she fully respected the views of those who were opposed to the construction of the bypass.  It was further stated that there were other residents who supported its construction in view of their belief that it would alleviate congestion and improve air quality.  It was stated that the publication of the Strategic Outline Business Case was only the first step in a very lengthy process in determining whether to proceed further.  It was stated that there would be further stages of public consultation should it be decided that the Council wished to pursue the construction of the bypass, the requirement to submit a planning application and a submission for funding to the government.  The outcome of each stage of the process was unknown at this stage.  Councillor Meikle commented that as a member of both the local area committee and the Planning & Highways Regulation Committee she would be involved in the quasi-judicial process of determining the application and that at this stage she could see both the advantages and disadvantages but would not be able to form a final view until such a stage that a formal planning application including all the necessary information had been submitted.

·         Relating to whether Councillor Blair would end his support for the A6 to M60 bypass on the basis that the Business Case predicted an increase in traffic through High lane.

Councillor Kenny Blair responded that the line in the report that referred to increased traffic volumes along the A6 between Hazel Grove and New Mills needed to be read in the context of predicted decreased traffic volumes on the A626 Stockport Road between the A627 and Marple, the B6101 Strines Road between Marple and New Mills; and Windlehurst Road/ Hibbert Lane between High Lane and Marple.  It was further commented that the report had also identified that the implementation of the proposed scheme was dependent on the grant of planning permission by Stockport Council, a successful public enquiry to acquire land under the Highways Act, timely procurement of a capable supplier, political backing and funding, successful liaison with local communities, and the successful integration of the scheme with the M60 smart motorway works.  Councillor Blair stated that in the light of the above factors, the delivery of the scheme was far from a ‘done deal’, but that it was incumbent on council to explore the possibility as a means of alleviating congestion in the future. 

·         Relating to whether Councillor Smart would stand up for the people of Offerton, Bredbury Green and Lower Bredbury whose quality of life would suffer as a result of the A6 to M60 bypass in view of Councillor Smart’s opposition to building on the green belt.

Councillor Lisa Smart responded that the quality of life for residents of those areas identified by the question was what drove her views on this issue and that it was her belief that the quality of life for a large number of those residents was suffering as a result of traffic congestion, including the health of those children who attended schools within the locality. Councillor Smart confirmed that in principle she was in favour of the development of the bypass  but that she was willing to explore any viable proposition which would alleviate traffic congestion within her ward which did not involve building on green spaces.

·         Relating to the statement in the business case for the A6 to M60 bypass that building  ...  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 Kenny Blair commented that following the decision of the Council Meeting to include High Lane within the ward name for Marple South and High Lane, Transport for Greater Manchester now appeared to want to isolate High Lane following its decision to cancel the 303 bus service.  Councillor Blair asked if assurances could be provided that the Council was working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure that residents of High Lane were not isolated and that the bus service was reinstated on an urgent basis.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Alex Ganotis) stated that the service had been removed based on passenger usage data and the availability of alternative routes in the area.  Councillor Ganotis confirmed that the Council would feed back any reported concerns relating to the impact of the removal of the service to Transport for Greater Manchester.

Councillor Geoff Abell asked whether Councillor Taylor would work with colleagues at Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure that Greater Manchester was able to have a smart ticketing scheme which worked on similar basis to the Oyster card scheme in London, and similarly encompassed all modes of transportation.

Councillor John Taylor responded that there were significant differences between Greater Manchester and London, one of which was the differential in powers and responsibilities of the respective transportation bodies.  It was commented that some of these issues would be resolved through an increase in regulatory control over bus operations in the conurbation through the Bus Services Act. 

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) (Councillor Alex Ganotis) reported that following the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority’s decision to terminate early its Recycling and Waste Management contract with Viridor Laing, a report would be brought to the next meeting of the Council Meeting asking for approval to be given the development of a new inter-authority agreement. 

It was further reported that following the publication of the latest round of reports to scrutiny committees relating to the Council’s budget for 2018/19, the Council was now seeking to make savings amounting to £60m for the period until 2020 as opposed to the £50m that had previously been discussed.  It was stated that the apparent discrepancy in the figures was the result of the inclusion of additional demand associated with adult social care and children’s services projected ahead until 2022 to allow the Council to plan its finances accordingly in the longer-term.

Councillor Ganotis also confirmed that in view of the severe budgetary constraints on the Council, the Cabinet was proposing an increase in Council Tax for 2018/19 of 4.99%.

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) reported that since the allocation of funding to bring the health suite and pool flumes back into use at the Grand Central Leisure Centre, significant problems had been identified with the contractual and tendering process which had meant that the opening date of the facilities would be pushed back until February 2018. 

Councillor Bailey then reported that in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy, the Council’s Recycling and Environmental Campaign had been launched the previous day which aimed to make Stockport the best in North West for recycling and keeping the streets clear of waste, and to ensure that fly tipping was dramatically reduced. 

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) reported that the public consultation on the Local Plan Issues and Options Paper had recently closed and extended her thanks to councillors and members of the public that had engaged with the process.  An analysis of the consultation responses was currently being undertaken, the outcome of which would be shared with councillors as soon as it was available.  

Councillor Butler then referred to recent upgrade works that had taken during the closure of the A6 and extended her thanks to all who had been involved in ensuring that the works were undertaken expediently and with as little disruption as possible.  

Councillor Butler then stated that the annual Stockport Jobs Fair had taken place on 26 September 207 which had attracted a record number of job seekers, employers and jobs on offer and early feedback had been extremely positive.

The Cabinet Member for Education (Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick) reported that there were a number of active consultations taking place with the Education portfolio area including two in relation to the apprenticeship store, one in relation to free school transport and one in relation to Offerton Hall Nursery and Dial Park Primary School.  Councillor Fitzpatrick encouraged as many people as possible to participate in those consultations which were available on the Council’s website

Councillor Fitzpatrick then referred to his recent announcement of £25m of capital investment in Stockport’s schools, and that discussions were continuing to take place in relation to the governance model, and that the first Executive Board meeting would take place during November, and that a wider all-party steering group would be kept informed of progress.

The Deputy Leader of the Council (Adult Social Care) (Councillor Wendy Wild) reported that during the Summer an intensive listening exercise had been undertaken in relation to health and adult social care matters that were being addressed through the Stockport Together Programme, and Councillor Wild thanked all those who attended and participated.  A further consultation exercise had commenced on 10 October which provided an opportunity to share views with NHS Stockport CCG and the Council on whether to adopt the plans as a joint  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.(i)

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Executive Leader or other members of the Executive, 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 (Communities & Housing), (Economy & Regeneration), (Education) 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 3 October 2017 (pages) and the record of executive decisions taken since the last Council Meeting, (schedule enclosed, decisions previously circulated) (pages) and consider any recommendations they contain.

The Mayor declared the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 3 October 2017 (copies of which had been circulated) and the record of executive decision taken (copies of which were circulated) 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.

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 – 12 September 2017

Children & Families – 20 September 2017

Communities & Housing – 18 September 2017

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 19 September 2017

Economy & Regeneration – 21 September 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 – 12 September 2017

Children & Families – 20 September 2017

Communities & Housing – 18 September 2017

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 19 September 2017

Economy & Regeneration – 21 September 2017

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation; Licensing, Environment and Safety; and 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

Employment Appeals – 20 and 22 September 2017

Funding – 11 September 2017

Health & Wellbeing Board – 27 September 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 6 September 2017 and 11 October 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 4 and 21 September

Member – 31 July 2017

Planning & Highways Regulation – 7 September and 12 October 2017

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 28 September 2017

Central Stockport – 28 September 2017

Cheadle – 26 September 2017

Heatons & Reddish – 25 September 2017

Marple – 27 September 2017

Stepping Hill – 26 September 2017

Werneth – 25 September 2017

Ward Committees

Brinnington & Reddish Joint – 4 September 2017

Hazel Grove – 18 September 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

Employment Appeals – 20 and 22 September 2017

Funding – 11 September 2017

Health & Wellbeing Board – 27 September 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 6 September 2017 and 11 October 2017

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 4 and 21 September

Member – 31 July 2017

Planning & Highways Regulation – 7 September and 12 October 2017

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 28 September 2017

Central Stockport – 28 September 2017

Cheadle – 26 September 2017

Heatons & Reddish – 25 September 2017

Marple – 27 September 2017

Stepping Hill – 26 September 2017

Werneth – 25 September 2017

Ward Committees

Brinnington & Reddish Joint – 4 September 2017

Hazel Grove – 18 September 2017

This Council believes that:

·           everyone is equal irrespective of their race or religion;

·           that all forms of hate crime must be condemned; and

·           cross-party support for combating antisemitism in all its manifestations is to be welcomed.

The Council subsequently notes with great concern:

·           Community Security Trust figures which show a rise of 30% increase in antisemitic hate crime during the first 6 months of 2017; and

·           that this was accompanied by an alarming rise of 84% in anti-Semitic incidents across Greater Manchester. 

This Council therefore acknowledges:

·           the UK Government’s announcement of December 11th, 2016, that it will sign up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism. 

·           that these guidelines contain a robust working definition for the identification of antisemitism, which reads as follows; “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities” (full text available at: https://holocaustremembrance.com/media-room/stories/working-definition-antisemitism), and that this can therefore form the basis of a strong corporate stance against antisemitism;

·           that the IHRA definition has been adopted by the UK Government, Labour Party, Scottish and Welsh Governments, the Greater London Authority and Greater Manchester Combined Authority and numerous Councils across the country.

This Council hereby resolves to:

·           adopt the definition of antisemitism as set out by the IHRA, and request that the Chief Executive ensure all relevant Stockport Council codes of conduct are consistent with this;

·           write to the IHRA, The Jewish Leadership Council, the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews to notify them of this adoption;

·           work together as an entity to combat this pernicious form of racism.

Moved by:                 Councillor Alex Ganotis

Seconded by:           Councillor Mark Hunter

                                    Councillor Syd Lloyd

                                    Councillor Adrian Nottingham

                                    Councillor Mags Kirkham

RESOLVED - This Council believes that:

·         everyone is equal irrespective of their race or religion;

·         that all forms of hate crime must be condemned; and

·         cross-party support for combating antisemitism in all its manifestations is to be welcomed.

The Council subsequently notes with great concern:

·         Community Security Trust figures which show a rise of 30% increase in antisemitic hate crime during the first 6 months of 2017; and

·         that this was accompanied by an alarming rise of 84% in anti-Semitic incidents across Greater Manchester.

This Council therefore acknowledges:

·         the UK Government’s announcement of December 11th, 2016, that it will sign up to the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism.

·         that these guidelines contain a robust working definition for the identification of antisemitism, which reads as follows; “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities” (full text available at: https://holocaustremembrance.com/media-room/stories/working-definition-antisemitism), and that this can therefore form the basis of a strong corporate stance against antisemitism;

·         that the IHRA definition has been adopted by the UK Government, Labour Party, Scottish and Welsh Governments, the Greater London Authority and Greater Manchester Combined Authority and numerous Councils across the country.

This Council hereby resolves to:

·         adopt the definition of antisemitism as set out by the IHRA, and request that the Chief Executive ensure all relevant Stockport Council codes of conduct are consistent with this;

·         write to the IHRA, The Jewish Leadership Council, the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews to notify them of this adoption;

·         work together as an entity to combat this pernicious form of racism.

This Council Meeting notes that:

·         Greater Manchester Police's own figures show that 23% of 101 calls were abandoned in June, up from 17% in May;

·         People across Stockport and Greater Manchester have been complaining of the difficulty of getting through to the Police on the 101 number;

·         When someone witnesses a crime, calls 101 and gives up not only does that person not have the crime investigated, but the Police miss out on intelligence to inform their priorities;

·         When the public try to report crimes but fail because they cannot speak to the Police within a reasonable time, the crime figures will appear lower than they really are;

·         Funding for the Police is principally set by the Government, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester also able to set a precept to raise additional funds; and

·         In the past was possible to report offences via the GMP Website but this functionality no longer exists.

This Council Meeting believes it is fundamental to a well-functioning Police force, to reducing crime and to tackling the fear of crime that people across Greater Manchester are able to easily and conveniently report crimes and intelligence to the Police.

This Council Meeting therefore asks the Chief Executive to write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester calling for an urgent review into how the system can be improved to make it easier, quicker and more convenient for members of the public to report crimes, suspicions of crimes and intelligence on crimes to the Police.

Moved by:                  Councillor Iain Roberts

Seconded by:           Councillor Mark Weldon

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that:

·         Greater Manchester Police's own figures show that 23% of 101 calls were abandoned in June, up from 17% in May;

·         People across Stockport and Greater Manchester have been complaining of the difficulty of getting through to the Police on the 101 number;

·         When someone witnesses a crime, calls 101 and gives up not only does that person not have the crime investigated, but the Police miss out on intelligence to inform their priorities;

·         When the public try to report crimes but fail because they cannot speak to the Police within a reasonable time, the crime figures will appear lower than they really are;

·         Funding for the Police is principally set by the Government, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester also able to set a precept to raise additional funds; and

·         In the past was possible to report offences via the GMP Website but this functionality no longer exists.

This Council Meeting believes it is fundamental to a well-functioning Police force, to reducing crime and to tackling the fear of crime that people across Greater Manchester are able to easily and conveniently report crimes and intelligence to the Police.

This Council Meeting therefore asks the Chief Executive to write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester calling for an urgent review into how the system can be improved to make it easier, quicker and more convenient for members of the public to report crimes, suspicions of crimes and intelligence on crimes to the Police.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that:

·         Greater Manchester Police's own figures show that a spike of 23% in 101 calls were recorded as abandoned in June, up from 17% in May; before dropping back down to a lower level in July;

·         People across Stockport and Greater Manchester have been complaining of the difficulty of getting through to the Police on the 101 number;

·         When someone witnesses a crime, calls 101 and gives up not only does that person not have the crime investigated, but the Police miss out on intelligence to inform their priorities;

·         When the public try to report crimes but fail because they cannot speak to the Police within a reasonable time, the crime figures will appear lower than they really are;

·         Funding for the Police is principally set by the Government, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester also able to set a precept to raise additional funds.

This Council therefore notes with approval actions already undertaken to address the forgoing circumstances, including;

·         This Council, as represented by Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Bailey, having already written on the 17th September to the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, highlighting the difficulties experienced with the 101 number;

·         A subsequent meeting between the Deputy Mayor for policing and Crime, Beverly Hughes, and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Ian Hopkins on the matter, resulting in;

·         30 new staff being taken on for the 101 service to be trained and supervised by 8 assigned sergeants and 8 assigned constables; and

·         A new online ‘web chat’ facility being brought forward to facilitate easier public contact with the police.

This Council Meeting believes it is fundamental to a well-functioning Police force, to reducing crime and to tackling the fear of crime that people across Greater Manchester are able to easily and conveniently report crimes and intelligence to the Police, and recognises cross-party concern on this issue.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to:

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to both the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester to make them aware of this motion and the formal concerns of the Council in relation to this matter;

·         Request that the Council is kept informed on initiatives and actions to reduce the current call abandonment;

·         Continue to work will all relevant partners to take whatever actions are necessary to facilitate easier, quicker  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(ii)

At 8.39 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting reconvened at 8.45 pm

The Council Meeting then proceeded to debate the amendment.

Upon the amendment being put to the vote:-

For the amendment 34, against 21.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

Upon the amendment being put as the substantive motion, in accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) the mover of the substantive motion, with the consent of the seconder, requested that the Council Meeting give its consent to the alteration of the substantive motion to reincorporate the final bullet point of original motion.

The Council Meeting so consented.

The altered substantive motion was then put to the Council Meeting and it was

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting notes that:

·         Greater Manchester Police's own figures show a spike of 23% in 101 calls were recorded as abandoned in June, up from 17% in May; before dropping back down to a lower level in July;

·         People across Stockport and Greater Manchester have been complaining of the difficulty of getting through to the Police on the 101 number;

·         When someone witnesses a crime, calls 101 and gives up not only does that person not have the crime investigated, but the Police miss out on intelligence to inform their priorities;

·         When the public try to report crimes but fail because they cannot speak to the Police within a reasonable time, the crime figures will appear lower than they really are;

·         Funding for the Police is principally set by the Government, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester also able to set a precept to raise additional funds; and

·         In the past it was possible to report offences via the GMP Website but this functionality no longer exists.

This Council therefore notes with approval actions already undertaken to address the forgoing circumstances, including;

·         This Council, as represented by Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Bailey, having already written on the 17th September to the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, highlighting the difficulties experienced with the 101number;

·         A subsequent meeting between the Deputy Mayor for policing and Crime, Beverly Hughes, and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Ian Hopkins on the matter, resulting in;

·         30 new staff being taken on for the 101 service to be trained and supervised by 8 assigned sergeants and 8 assigned constables; and

·         A new online ‘web chat’ facility being brought forward to facilitate easier public contact with the police.

This Council Meeting believes it is fundamental to a well-functioning Police force, to reducing crime and to tackling the fear of crime that people across Greater Manchester are able to easily and conveniently report crimes and intelligence to the Police, and recognises cross-party concern on this issue.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to:

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to both the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester to make them aware of this motion and the formal concerns of the Council in relation to this matter;

·         Request that the Council is kept informed on initiatives and actions to reduce the current call abandonment;

·         Continue to work will all relevant partners to take whatever actions are necessary to facilitate easier, quicker and more convenient means for members of the public to report crimes, suspicions of crimes and intelligence on crimes to the Police, and

·         Request that the Chief Constable includes an update on progress when Officers present their annual update to elected members in 2018.

This Council acknowledges;

·           the historic commitments made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris toward the future of renewable energy;

·           our responsibility to help secure an environmentally sustainable future for our  residents and in relation to the global effects of anthropogenic climate change.

This Council subsequently notes that;

·           despite the Paris Agreement placing no binding commitments upon Local Government institutions, we as a Council can still play our part in the global movement towards a sustainable energy future;

·           the UK and in particular the North West region is well placed to contribute to this, drawing upon our existing industrial base, rooted in an industrial heritage which once before revolutionised the global energy economy to the great benefit of humankind;

·           additional benefits of the development of green industries include the potential for create well-paid, high-skilled employment locally, regionally and nationally;

·           the UK100 Agreement pledge outlines the ambition for the UK regions to exceed the Paris Climate targets through achieving 100% ‘clean energy’ usage by 2050.

In light of this, this Council therefore resolves to;

·           match the ambitions of the UK100 Agreement through pledging to achieve 100% clean energy across Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s full range of functions by 2050  (defined as 70% from fully renewable sources [Wind, Water, Solar], with the remainder from other low CO2 forms of energy production, in line with ambitious post-2040 energy mix forecasts [see Greenpeace, ‘Energy Revolution’, p.86: www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/climate/2015/Energy-Revolution-2015-Full.pdf);

·           work in partnership with our residents and business community to deliver against the commitments made nationally and internationally at the 2015 Paris Summit;

·           turn these commitments into reality through developing a ‘route map’ to a sustainable future, working together with Stockport’s business, educational and residential communities as part of an integrated approach to a shared sustainable future.

Moved by:                  Councillor Alex Ganotis

Seconded by:           Councillor Sheila Bailey

RESOLVED - This Council acknowledges;

·         the historic commitments made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris toward the future of renewable energy;

·         our responsibility to help secure an environmentally sustainable future for our  residents and in relation to the global effects of anthropogenic climate change.

This Council subsequently notes that;

·         despite the Paris Agreement placing no binding commitments upon Local Government institutions, we as a Council can still play our part in the global movement towards a sustainable energy future;

·         the UK and in particular the North West region is well placed to contribute to this, drawing upon our existing industrial base, rooted in an industrial heritage which once before revolutionised the global energy economy to the great benefit of humankind;

·         additional benefits of the development of green industries include the potential for create well-paid, high-skilled employment locally, regionally and nationally;

·         the UK100 Agreement pledge outlines the ambition for the UK regions to exceed the Paris Climate targets through achieving 100% ‘clean energy’ usage by 2050.

In light of this, this Council therefore resolves to;

·         match the ambitions of the UK100 Agreement through pledging to achieve 100% clean energy across Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s full range of functions by 2050  (defined as 70% from fully renewable sources [Wind, Water, Solar], with the remainder from other low CO2 forms of energy production, in line with ambitious post-2040 energy mix forecasts [see Greenpeace, ‘Energy Revolution’, p.86: www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/climate/2015/Energy-Revolution-2015-Full.pdf);

·         work in partnership with our residents and business community to deliver against the commitments made nationally and internationally at the 2015 Paris Summit;

·         turn these commitments into reality through developing a ‘route map’ to a sustainable future, working together with Stockport’s business, educational and residential communities as part of an integrated approach to a shared sustainable future.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution) (Councillor Alex Ganotis) submitted a report of the Democratic Services Manager (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Council Meeting give consideration to the appointment of a named officer as Returning Officer for local government elections and Electoral Registration Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer in addition to the temporary re-designation of the role of Monitoring Officer role.

RESOLVED – (1) That Pam Smith be appointed as Returning Officer by virtue of section 35 (returning officers: local elections) of the 1983 Act, as modified by Schedule 2 and be appointed Electoral Registration Officer by virtue of Section 8 of Representation of the People Act 1983.

(2) That Laureen Donnan be appointed Deputy Electoral Registration Officer by virtue of Section 52(2) of Representation of the People Act 1983.

(3) That Laureen Donnan be temporarily designated as Monitoring Officer.

(4) That a search for an interim Monitoring Officer takes place whilst the return to work of the current Monitoring Officer was resolved.

(5) That the Chief Executive report back to the Appointments Committee on this matter at the beginning of December should the absence of the current

Monitoring Officer continue.