Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 6 and 8 November 2012.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 6 and 8 November 2012 were approved as correct records and signed by the Mayor.

To report and endorse that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, has taken urgent action under the constitution to constitute the Solutions SK Contributors Committee and appointed the following members:-

Councillor Sue Derbyshire (Chair)

Councillor Peter Burns

Councillor Philip Harding

Councillor Syd Lloyd

Councillor John Pantall

Councillor Andrew Verdeille

Councillor Alanna Vine

The Mayor reported that the Chief Executive had, in consultation with her, taken urgent action under the constitution to constitute the Solutions SK Contributors Committee and appoint the following members:-

Councillor Sue Derbyshire (Chair)

Councillor Peter Burns

Councillor Philip Harding

Councillor Syd Lloyd

Councillor John Pantall

Councillor Andrew Verdeille

Councillor Alanna Vine

RESOLVED – That the action be noted.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor announced that since the last meeting of the Council she had:-

·         Unveiled a plaque at the Stockport Story Museum in memory of the Cockleshell Heroes whose mission was to attach mines to the hulls of enemy ships during World War 2 using Cockle Mark 2 canoes.

·         Attended various awards for young people, including, the Together Trust awards evening.

·         Been invited to present certificates at Offerton School’s final awards presentation evening.

·         Attended the Salvation Army Christmas Fayre, their Carol service at the Bridgewater Hall and also at the Citadel in Cheadle.

·         Switched the Christmas lights on in Bramhall.

·         Attended 15 carol services and judged the ‘beautiful Christmas tree festival’ at St Martins Church in Marple Bridge.

The Mayor further reported that her Charity had so far raised in excess of £7,000 during the course of this Municipal Year and that there remained a number of other charitable events due to take place during the remainder of the year.

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.

One public question was submitted relating to the accuracy of the accounts for Solutions SK with particular reference as to how the future costs of redundancies would be ascribed in the accounts; the treatment of overstatement of the work in progress in the 2011 year end accounts; the potential impact upon Council Tax should the Council not set aside funds to address any deficit at Solutions SK; the payment of bonuses to the management of Solutions SK in respect of profits which did not exist; and whether the public would be able to hold the management of Solutions SK to account at their Annual General Meeting.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) responded that it was the responsibility of Solutions SK to submit their accounts to Companies House and that any future redundancy costs would be borne by the Council in accordance with arrangements that had existed since the establishment of Solutions SK.  It was further stated that the accounts had been produced by a qualified accountant and audited by the Council’s District Auditor and that she was not personally in a position to discuss whether figures should have been presented differently.  With regard to the Council Tax, it was confirmed that there would have been no change had the Council not set aside funds to address the deficit.  It was also confirmed that bonuses had been paid to a large number of staff at Solutions SK and advice was still being sought with regard to the status of those.  Finally, it was stated that in relation to public access to the Annual General Meeting of Solutions SK it was not normal practice for such meetings to be held in public, although this would be raised at a future meeting of the Solutions SK Contributors Committee.

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

No such arrangements have been made for this meeting.

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 Sue Derbyshire 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 joint authorities.

(b)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported that following the abolition of the Greater Manchester Police Authority and the election of a new Police and Crime Commissioner there was now no opportunity to ask questions of the Council’s representative on the former Police Authority.  However, it was further reported that a Police and Crime Panel had been constituted to scrutinise the actions and decisions of the Police and Crime Commissioner to which she had been appointed and that she would be prepared to answer members’ questions in relation to the business of the Panel at this and future Council Meetings.

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

(c)        Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor Chris Gordon asked a question in relation to the recent increase in the frequency of the rail service from Woodley Railway Station to two trains per hour and how this had been achieved.

Councillor Craig Wright responded that the Hope Valley line had seen the introduction of a number of additional carriages to bolster services following the cascading of new carriages to the North West of England.  This had provided the opportunity to recast services along the line to provide an additional train to Rose Hill Railway Station running via Woodley and Hyde at roughly half hour intervals.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities).

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) (Councillor Mark Weldon) submitted the Youth Justice Plan for the year 2012/13 (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the work Youth Offending Services and outlining the revised Youth Justice Plan.

RESOLVED – That the updated Youth Justice Plan be approved and adopted.

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

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the mid-year performance of the Treasury Management function for the first quarter of 2012/13

RESOLVED – That the Mid-Year Treasury Management Strategy and Performance Review 2012/13 report be received in line with best practice guidelines and that the treasury activity for the first half of the financial year be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services).

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) (Councillor Martin Candler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for a local Council Tax Discount Scheme and a local Council Tax Support Scheme following a Government announcement that the national Council Tax Benefit regime would be replaced by localised Council Tax Support from 2013/14.

RESOLVED – (38 for, 19 against) That approval be given to the proposed Council Tax Discount Scheme and the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme.

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, Reform and Finance) (Councillor Sue Derbyshire) reported that a new Solutions SK Contributors Committee had now been established and had held its first meeting.  The development of a robust recovery plan for Solutions SK was seen as the highest priority.  It was further reported than an early decision of the Committee had been to remove councillor representatives from the Board of Solutions SK in order to emphasise the distinction between operational responsibility and the responsibilities of the Council as owners.

The Leader of the Council also reported on the following:-

·         A peer review into safeguarding had taken place and a number of councillors had contributed towards this and the results of which would be made available soon.

·         The Council had undertaken wide ranging consultations on a number or proposals including the Executive’s Budget proposals, the Woodford Supplementary Planning Document and the A6 and Manchester Airport Relief Road.

·         A briefing would take place for all councillors on 7 January 2013 in relation to Local Government Finance Settlement.

·         Investigations were taking place in relation to potential reductions in the cost of the Executive.

The Executive Councillor (Lifelong Learning and Achievement) (Councillor Shan Alexander) reported on the recent success of Stockport’s primary schools and young people with particular reference to the above average number of 11 year old pupils achieving Level 4.  Councillor Shan Alexander congratulated all those involved in the education of Stockport’s children on their achievements.

The Executive Councillor (Health and Wellbeing) (Councillor John Pantall) extended his thanks to Age UK Stockport and Stockport College for their work in putting together a display outside the entrance to the Council Chamber which was an example of young and older people working together and which was one of many projects which had been put in place to improve wellbeing and the quality of life for older people.  It was further reported that the Department of Health had postponed its announcement of the budget for the public health function which was transferring from the NHS to local authorities. Finally, Councillor Pantall expressed his hope that residents would give consideration to their elderly neighbours during the forthcoming winter months and highlighted the potentially fatal impact of colder weather on older people.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) (Councillor Iain Roberts) congratulated the Stockport Harriers and Arnie’s disabled weightlifting club based at ‘Target Life Lapwing’ on their recent accomplishments.

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, Reform and Finance); the Deputy Leader of the Council (Governance and Corporate Services) and the Executive Councillors (Adult Care Services), (Children and Young People), (Economic Development and Regeneration), (Lifelong Learning and Achievement), (Health and Wellbeing) and (Supporting Communities) answered questions relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive held on 12 November (pages) and 17 December (to follow) 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 Executive Meetings on 12 November and 17 December 2012 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.

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

The Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that an extraordinary meeting of the Health Scrutiny Committee had been arranged for 22 January 2013 which had been convened to consider wellbeing issues as they affected the residents of Stockport.  Councillor McGee extended an invitation to all members of the Council to attend the meeting and provide their own perspective on issues and problems in this area.

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

Councillor John Pantall asked a question of the Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee as to whether he was aware that arrangements were being made to provide all members of the Council with access to health information relating to their ward.   

The Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Tom McGee) responded that he was aware.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

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

Adults & Communities – 26 November 2012

Children & Young People – 28 November 2012

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 3 December 2012

Environment & Economy – 29 November 2012

Health – 31 October, 27 November and 5 December 2012

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

Councillor Maureen Rowles asked a question of the Chair of the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee in relation to the use of hackney carriage vehicles licensed by Rossendale Borough Council as private hire vehicles in other local authority areas throughout the North West, and with particular reference to Stockport.

The Chair of the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee (Councillor Chris Gordon) responded that it was currently lawful for a vehicle licensed as hackney carriage vehicle in one authority area to be used as a private hire vehicle in another local authority area without the requirement for a further ‘local’ licence to be obtained.  It was further stated that as each authority had the discretion to set their own criteria for the licensing of vehicles, some authorities had become known for having a more relaxed approach to vehicle licensing than others which had resulted in the use of such vehicles further afield.  Councillor Gordon expressed concern that member of the public in Stockport may justifiably be confused as to the nature of a vehicle which wore the hackney carriage livery and licence of another authority and yet which purported to be a private hire car vehicle in Stockport.  It was stated that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee outlining the current position in the Borough and any further actions that would be taken to address this issue.

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

Ordinary Committees

Area Committees

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

Ordinary Committees

Audit – 11 December 2012

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 5 December 2012

Planning & Highways Regulation – 6 December 2012

Solutions SK Contributors – 6 December 2012

Standards – 9 November 2012

Town Centre –12 November and 11 December 2012

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 22 November and 10 December 2012

Central Stockport – 22 November 2012

Cheadle – 20 November 2012

Heatons & Reddish – 19 November 2012

Marple – 21 November 2012

Stepping Hill – 20 November 2012

Werneth – 19 November 2012

This Council Meeting notes:

·        That this summer’s Olympic Games was a fantastic occasion which was celebrated by Stockport residents and provides an opportunity to inspire a generation of young people to become involved in sport and to make healthy life choices.

·        That Stockport has a proud sporting history and 2012 marks the 60^th anniversary of Offerton resident Alan Newton’s exceptional achievement of winning a bronze medal for cycling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games.

This Council Meeting further notes:

·        Planning permission was granted by the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee on Thursday 26^th October 2012 for the development of a new Community Hub on the Blackstone Field site in Offerton.

·        This development includes a new Community Centre incorporating a four court sports hall, gym, all weather floodlit five-a-side football pitch and one seven-a-side grass football pitch.

·        That the new Community Centre and sports facilities require a name.

This Council Meeting believes:

·        The Council should celebrate and promote the proud sporting history of Stockport.

·        That Alan Newton’s achievements in 1952 should be marked in order to inspire the next generation of Stockport Olympians.

·        That the new Community Centre and sporting facilities to be built as part of the Blackstone Field development should be named ‘The Alan Newton Centre’.

·        That the All-Party support amongst Offerton ward’s councillors Cllr Laura Booth, Cllr John Smith and Cllr Wendy Meikle reflects the support for this motion.

This Council Meeting therefore requests:

·        That the new Community Centre and sporting facilities to be built as part of the Blackstone Field development are named ‘The Alan Newton Centre’ to honour Mr Newton’s achievements and to inspire the next generation.

Moved by:                  Councillor Laura Booth

Seconded by:            Councillor John Smith

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting notes:

·         That this summer’s Olympic Games was a fantastic occasion which was celebrated by Stockport residents and provides an opportunity to inspire a generation of young people to become involved in sport and to make healthy life choices.

·         That Stockport has a proud sporting history and 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of Offerton resident Alan Newton’s exceptional achievement of winning a bronze medal for cycling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games.

This Council Meeting further notes:

·         Planning permission was granted by the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee on Thursday 26th October 2012 for the development of a new Community Hub on the Blackstone Field site in Offerton.

·         development includes a new Community Centre incorporating a four court sports hall, gym, all weather floodlit five-a-side football pitch and one seven-a-side grass football pitch.

·         That the new Community Centre and sports facilities require a name.

This Council Meeting believes:

·         The Council should celebrate and promote the proud sporting history of Stockport.

·         That Alan Newton’s achievements in 1952 should be marked in order to inspire the next generation of Stockport Olympians.

·         That the new Community Centre and sporting facilities to be built as part of the Blackstone Field development should be named ‘The Alan Newton Centre’.

·         That the All-Party support amongst Offerton ward’s councillors Cllr Laura Booth, Cllr John Smith and Cllr Wendy Meikle reflects the support for this motion.

This Council Meeting therefore requests:

·         That the new Community Centre and sporting facilities to be built as part of the Blackstone Field development are named ‘The Alan Newton Centre’ to honour Mr Newton’s achievements and to inspire the next generation.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer.

The Executive Councillor (Governance & Corporate Services) (Councillor Martin Candler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party together with the comments of the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and the Executive in relation to changes required to the Constitution in relation to (a) Review of the pre-election Period; (b) Executive Meetings and Access to Information Regulations 2012; (c) Obstructions Policy for the Highway – Appeals Process; and (d) a number of issues previously identified by the Working Party in relation to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Council on 14 February 2013 pending further consultation on the proposed amendments.

Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform and Finance) to report.

RESOLVED – (1) That Councillor Chris Murphy be invited to allow his name to be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting for election to the Office of Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2013/2014.

(2) That Councillor Mike Wilson be invited to allow his name to be submitted to the Annual Council meeting for the appointment to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2013/2014.