Decisions

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the appointment of a contractor to undertake emergency lighting rewire works at Hazel Grove Life Leisure.

 (Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only)

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the acquisition of the access road leading to Ladybridge Sports Ground on revise terms as detailed in the confidential report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only)

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the appointment of the selected contractor to undertake works at Avondale Life Leisure and Romiley Life Leisure, including changing room refurbishments, rewire works and building condition works.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only)

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to issue a new lease to a Council tenant trading as Hedged In Ltd at the above address.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only)

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the appointment of a contractor to undertake the work at the Produce Hall within Stockport Town Centre.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only)

The Cabinet Members for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and Economy & Regeneration have considered a report that confirmed that from 9 September 2020 the Government had put in place a grant scheme to support businesses that are required to close due to the implementation of localised lockdown restrictions.

The Council is required to set up and operate a grant scheme for eligible businesses that have been directed to close. There will be a scheme for businesses in the business rates system and a discretionary scheme for businesses outside of the business rates system based on an allocation of 5% of the value of the support needed for the business rates scheme.

The approach designed for the discretionary scheme takes a prudent approach to the allocation of the grant to reach as many businesses as possible while avoiding over-subscription.

The Cabinet Members for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and Economy & Regeneration have then given approval to the approach outlined in the report for the operation of a Local Restrictions Business Support Discretionary Grant Scheme.

In July 2017 the Secretary of State issued a Direction under the Environment Act 1995 requiring seven Greater Manchester local authorities, including Stockport Council, to produce a feasibility study to identify the option which will deliver compliance with the requirement to meet legal limits for nitrogen dioxide in the shortest possible time.

A report that set out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications for the 10 Greater Manchester  local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan was considered on 4 February 2020 by the Cabinet.

At this time a delegation was given to Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to approve the submission of supplementary information.

Consequently, the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health, has given approval to the submission of the following documents to the government's Joint Air Quality Unit in line with that delegation:-

·         ‘T1 Local Plan Transport Modelling Tracking Table - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘T2 Local Plan Transport Model Validation Report - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘T3 Local Plan Transport Modelling Methodology Report - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘T4 Local Plan Transport Model Forecasting Report - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘AQ1 Local Plan Air Quality Modelling Tracking Table - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘AQ2 Local Plan Air Quality Modelling Methodology Report - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘AQ3 Local Plan Air Quality Modelling Report - Consultation Option Jan 2020’

·         ‘Analytical Assurance Statement for the ‘Option for Consultation - Jan 2020’

·         ‘Modelling Assumptions for the ‘Option for Consultation - Jan 2020’

·         ‘Consolidated TIRP feedback and responses as at Feb 2020’

Copies of the above documents can be viewed at https://cleanairgm.com/technical-documents

In July 2017 the Secretary of State issued a Direction under the Environment Act 1995 requiring seven Greater Manchester local authorities, including Stockport Council, to produce a feasibility study to identify the option which will deliver compliance with the requirement to meet legal limits for nitrogen dioxide in the shortest possible time.

A report that set out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications for the 10 Greater Manchester  local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan was considered on 4 February 2020 by the Cabinet.

1At this time a delegation was given to Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health, to determine the preparatory implementation and contract arrangements that need to be undertaken utilising the initial tranche of £36m of funding from Government to deliver the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and other GM Clean Air Plan (CAP) measures

Consequently, and in line with the above delegation, the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health, has given approval to the proposal that the GMCA (acting by its officer, TfGM) undertakes the preparatory procurement arrangements that need to be undertaken to deliver the CAZ and other GM CAP measures on behalf of Stockport Council in accordance with TfGM’s existing Constitutional arrangements.

NOTE: This decision does not give approval for TfGM to enter into contracts on behalf of the Local Authority, but to run the procurement exercise with potential suppliers to final evaluation and to provide a report to allow the GM Authorities make a decision to award to the successful supplier(s).

The Head of Highways and Transportation submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) assessing the evidence that there was an existing Public Right of Way which had inadvertently disappeared from the Stockport Definitive Map, and recommended that the omission be rectified.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the officers for their response to the issue that had been raised previously.

RESOLVED – That the modification order be made under section 53(2)(b) adding the section of footpath marked between A and B on the submitted plan at Appendix B and the Definitive Statement for 205 M amended to read “for 100 meters from Windlehurst Rd to the junction of footpaths 70aHGB and 96HGB”.

There were no development applications to consider.

The Executive Member for Education has nominated the following person(s) to thegoverning board vacancy at the school indicated

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance has considered a requirement for local authorities to put in place arrangements for a new Test and Trace Support Payment schemefor people on low incomes who are unable to work while they are self-isolating and to process applications and make these payments by 12 October 2020.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance has then given approval to the approach outlined in the report for accepting applications for the Discretionary Payment Scheme through the same online application and the administrative/ payment process as for the Test and Trace Support Payment application form; and for decisions on eligibility to be made in line with the Government’s mandatory criteria and Greater Manchester approach.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport has considered a report that identified that the availability of charging points was cited as a key barrier for businesses and individuals in switching to an electric vehicle and confirming that Greater Manchester had secured of £2.4m Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) funding to facilitate the rollout of no less than 30 dedicated Taxi charging points in locations that were highly favourable to both the Hackney and Private Hire trades.

The report identified potential site locations for dedicated taxi chargers ahead of engagement with the taxi trade.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport then gave approval to the proposed site locations for dedicated taxi charging points, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, in advance of engagement with the Hackney and Private Hire trades.

The Deputy Chief Executive has given authority to grant a licence to Network Rail to permit access across land off Woodford Road, Poynton to facilitate the completion of essential maintenance work on their infrastructure.

The Deputy Chief Executive has given authority to the subletting of a lease on land at Hammond Avenue, Whitehill Street, Stockport on the terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has authorised the entering into of a licence with National Grid to allow the Council to enter on its land at Lower Bredbury, Stockport to construct a bridleway and the installation of a pedestrian bridge which will link Woodbank Park and Lower Bredbury.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has authorised the entering into of an agreement with an individual to permit them to sell flowers within Mill Lane Cemetery, Cheadle on the terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

The proposal was considered and endorsed by the Cheadle Area Committee in March 2019.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the renewal of an underletting on land at Stanley Street, Stockport, on the terms and basis identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the assignment of the part leasehold interest at Thatcher's Bakery, Borron Street, Stockport on terms and basis identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the appointment of Total Leisure Engineering Limited to undertake specialist design, fabrication and installation of the components for urgent works the movable pool floor at Grand Central Pools, Stockport.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only)

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the rent reviews on land leased by the Council for the purposes of aggregate recycling, highway maintenance materials storage and winter maintenance at Tenement Lane, Adswood on the terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has considered a report detailing the implications of a valid application to purchase a freehold interest of a house or extend the lease of a flat made by a Council’s tenant under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 and outlining arrangement for the delegation of processing any applications if they meet the qualifying criteria.

The Deputy Chief Executive has then:-

(1) acknowledged the legal obligation for the Council to convey its freehold interest in its dwelling houses or extend the lease on its flats upon receipt of a valid claim from an applicant which meets the qualifying criteria; and

(2) authorised the Strategic Head of Legal, Democratic Governance and Estate and Asset Management to:-

·         process any applications made under the Act in accordance with the Act; and

·         do all things necessary or incidental in order to complete the sales of such freehold interests in accordance with the Act.

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the sale of land behind 22 Penshurst Road, Brinnington, on the terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report and subject to appropriate planning consents being obtained by the buyer.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the granting of a three-year lease of the shop premises at 6 Cherry Tree Lane, Romiley on the terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given approval to the grant of a 4 year contracted out lease to The Weekend Day Centre for Dementia Care prior to any asset transfer on the basis identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: the report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given consent to a Sub-letting of Suites 2.4, 2.9 and 2.10, within Abney Hall, Abney Park, Cheadle on basis identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for the publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given authority for the grant of a way leave to BT Openreach in respect of Unit 81 Merseyway, occupied by O2, to document the installation of telecommunications cabling across the external wall of the retail unit.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given authority to grant a lease renewal in respect of Unit D4a First Floor, 56 Great Underbank to George Cox and Sons on the terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Deputy Chief Executive has given authority for the grant of a way leave to Hutchinson 3G in respect of Unit 82 Merseyway, occupied by Hutchinson 3G, to document the installation of telecommunications cabling across the external wall of the retail unit.

(Note: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ that was circulated to the decision maker only).

The Cabinet considered its response to the opportunities, challenges and uncertainty outlined within the review of the medium term financial

Plan and has:-

·         noted the approach and endorsed the proposed developments and next steps detailed in the report including agreeing to share with scrutiny for comment further detail on the MTFP programme; and

·         supported the ongoing development of the emerging Council narrative and transformation programme.

The Cabinet has considered the outcomes of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update Review including the expected financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Council in 2020/21, and has:-

(1) Noted the outcomes of the MTFP Update Review particularly the identified COVID19 financial scarring impacts and changes to the MTFP forecasts and assumption approved in February;

(2) Noted that the Council’s savings requirement has increased to £23.341m in 2021/22 rising to £34.825m in 2022/23 subject to further review and updates during the financial year.

(3) Noted that the earmarked reserves identified as part of the Councils COVID19 strategy of response.

(4) Approved the recommendation to cap the use of earmarked reserves to support the Council’s COVID19 strategy of response at £20m over the medium term period 2021/22 to 2022/23;

(5) Noted that the MTFP does not include any forecasts or assumptions for the financial impact of a further wave of COVID19 and/or further national/local lockdown/restrictions; and

(6) Noted that due to the significant uncertainty, volatility and risk of the financial landscape  the assessment of the MTFP forecasts and assumptions will continue to be iterative with further updates to the MTFP reported to Cabinet as part of the 2021/22 budget setting process.

The Cabinet considered and approved the draft Portfolio Agreements for 2020/21 that reflected the policy priorities for 2020/21 set out within the Council Plan and incorporated the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet.

The Cabinet considered an update on the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2019/20 outturn position; the 2020/21 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Update and the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy and agreed that:-

the annual review of Council’s 2020/21 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held be noted;

·         the creation and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts be approved;

·         the review of resources to support the Council’s financial response to the COVID19 pandemic over the medium term period if needed and the opportunity cost to the Council of using the resources for this purpose rather than the purpose they were earmarked to be used for be noted;

·         the recommendation to use resources held in earmarked reserves to support the Council financial response to the pandemic as a last resort to mitigate the impacts detailed in the report be noted; and

·         the proposed 2020/21 Reserves Policy be approved.

The Cabinet considered the Central Stockport Infrastructure Delivery

Plan Prospectus and Stockport Growth Prospectus along with a general rail update and has:-

(1) Endorsed the contents of the Central Stockport Infrastructure Delivery Plan Prospectus and the Stockport Station Growth Prospectus.

(2) Agreed that officers should continue to work with TfGM and Network Rail as a priority to explore and identify a new layout and design solution for the Greek Street bridge and the Thomson Street footbridge

(3) Noted the proposed stakeholder engagement plan outlined at 4.1 in the report

The Cabinet considered a proposal to establish a new cultural and social hub in Stockport town centre, provisionally titled ‘One Stockport Hub, and has:-

(1) Noted and approved in principle the proposal to develop ‘One Stockport Hub’.

(2) Noted and approved the work to consider any future change of use for the Central Library building, which would include engagement with the public and relevant stakeholders.

(3) Noted the recommendation from the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and the response to the recommendation as set out in Section 8 of this report. 

(4) Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement and Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to take all necessary steps to implement the proposal set out in this report.

The report seeks authority to enter into a European Regional Development Fund funding agreement with regard to the Merseyway Innovation Centre.

The Cabinet has considered an update on proposals to develop an Innovation Centre in Stockport town centre and has agreed to:-

(1) Note the report.

(2) That, if the ERDF funding application is approved, then delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance, to source the necessary capital cash match funding of £0.948m for the Merseyway Innovation Centre.

(3) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration, to:

a)    Take all necessary steps to implement the project strategy in this report, reporting back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

b)    Enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to deliver the Merseyway Innovation Centre; 

c)    Receive and administer European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) monies in respect of Merseyway Innovation Centre.

The Cabinet considered an update on the Cheadle Towns Fund, including the background, progress to date and the next steps and has given approval to the delegation of authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members Economy and Regeneration and for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to:

·         take all necessary steps to support the Cheadle Town Board to develop and implement the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, the subsequent Town Deal, and the Accelerated Towns Fund projects, reporting back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

·         enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to develop and implement the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, and if successful, enter into a Town Deal with MHCLG, and deliver the Accelerated Towns Fund projects; and

·         subject to MHCLG approval, receive and administer Towns Fund monies, on behalf of the Cheadle Town Board, in respect of the Cheadle Town Investment Plan and Accelerated Towns Fund projects.

The Youth Justice Plan headlines achievements against last year’s plan and outlines the priorities, opportunities and challenges for the coming year. The work of Stockport’s youth justice service delivery is monitored through the Youth Offending Services Partnership Board (YOS PB), which in turn reports through the Children’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and the Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP). Stockport Children’s Safeguarding Board (SSCB) also receives updates and reports as required.

The Cabinet considered and endorsed the revised plan set out headline achievements against last year’s Youth Justice Plan and outlined priorities for the coming year and recommended to the Council Meeting that it adopt the Plan.

The matter relates to the procurement of specialist contractors for the maintenance and improvement of highways, highway assets and highway structures, in view of the effectiveness of the arrangements to date.

The Cabinet has considered a proposal for the procurement of specialist highway and bridge contractors to support the Council in its delivery of significant infrastructure works over the next decade in terms of highway and bridge improvement and maintenance and has given approval the contract awards for the Alliance Framework for Highway Related Services as identified in the report and the associated confidential appendix.

(NOTE: This item contained a confidential appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).