Issue - meetings

(Executive Decision Record and report enclosed)

The call-in of this decision was considered by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on 4 January 2022 which agreed to refer the decision to the Council Meeting for debate.

The Council Meeting subsequently resolved to object to the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library and referred the decision back to the Cabinet to reconsider its final recommendation.

The Cabinet is asked to reconsider its previous decision in relation to the ‘Future High Street Fund - Stockroom' in the light of the resolution of the Council Meeting as follows:-

“This Council Meeting objects to the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library under the “Future High Street Fund – StockRoom” decision (CAB339).

“This Council Meeting notes:

·         the public consultation conducted by this Council found a majority of respondents were against the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library;

·         petitions with over 8,000 signatories received by this Council opposing the move; and

·         the formal recommendation made by three scrutiny committees not to proceed with the move.

“This Council Meeting believes that:

·         Cabinet should rescind the decision to move Central Library from its current location to Merseyway;

·         This Council should proceed with StockRoom, keep Central Library open and seek clarity with the Department of Levelling Up on the formal change procedure to vary the final mix of uses and spend profile; and

·         a cross-party working group should be established to review and secure the long-term viability of Central Library in its historic home.

“This Council Meeting requests that the decision is referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration along with the opinion of this Council Meeting as set out above.”

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

A report of the Council Meeting was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to reconsider its previous decision (CAB339) in relation to the Future High Street Fund - Stockroom. Council Meeting considered the call-in of this decision at its meeting on 13 January 2022, the summary of which was included in the report.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There had been a significant and useful debate held at the Council Meeting on this issue.

·         The matter remained a decision for the Cabinet to determine.

·         The Cabinet had previously agreed that it would like to see the Stockroom project continue and that there remained a discussion in relation to the future long-term use of the Central Library building.

·         The broad agreement between members on the continuation of Stockroom project was welcomed.

·         The proposals had always kept the security and future of the Central Library building at its heart.

·         There was an opportunity to invest in the Central Library building, take care of it for the future and make it accessible.

·         The revised proposals commit to establishing a cross-party working group to discuss the future of the Central Library building.  It was suggested that this should include representation from those members that represented the Brinnington & Central ward.

·         The Cabinet remained open to the possibility of having an adult education centre in the Central Library building with a relevant library provision as part of that.

·         Stockport was one of the few authorities to have been awarded the full amount it had bid for as part of its Future High Street Fund application.

·         Central Library had seen a significant reduction in footfall whereas other newly developed library facilities in Tower Hamlets and Chester had increased their visitor numbers.

·         It was noted that there were approximately 11,000 adults in Stockport who had trouble reading and a new adult education centre would help address this issue.

·         The development of a library facility in Stockroom would be the biggest investment in libraries in Stockport in living memory.

It was then

RESOLVED – That the objection of the Council Meeting be noted and that approval be given to the amendment of the original decision of 7 December 2021 and the Cabinet has therefore:-

(1) Noted the update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom and approve the proposals.

(2) Noted the recent consultation undertaken in relation to the relocation the town centre library offer from Central Library Building into Stockroom.

(3) Noted the views, comments and recommendations of the Communities & Housing; Corporate, Resource Management & Governance; and Children & Families Scrutiny Committees and the opinion and recommendation of the Council Meeting.

(4) Resolved to approve the proposals as set out in the Cabinet report of 7^th December 2021 in relation to Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom, including a modern library offer. This is to be delivered in line with the Outline Business Case set out in Section 11 of the report.

(5) Confirmed that the Central Library Service would remain in the Central Library Building until a date linked to the opening of Stockroom, recognising the need for some transition during which the Library Service may not be fully available in either location. This is currently anticipated to be Autumn 2023.

(6) Agreed to establish a cross-party working group with representation from all groups on the Council, no later than 28 February 2022, to develop proposals for relocating the Continuing Education Service into the Central Library Building whilst retaining a library offer with the following terms of reference:

(i)            any solution for retaining a library offer linked to the Continuing Education Service in the Central Library Building must come with a business case which covers how any revenue and capital costs associated with the solution will be funded;

(ii)          no additional capital or revenue costs can be imposed on the Stockroom project as a result of any recommendation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

To consider executive decision CAB339.

The call-in of this decision was considered by the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on 4 January 2022 which agreed to refer the decision to this meeting for debate.

A written record of the concerns of the Scrutiny Committee will be circulated in advance of the meeting.

The Executive Decision Record and original report are enclosed.

The Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the decision of the committee to refer executive decision CAB339 – ‘Future High Street Fund – Stockroom’ to the Council Meeting so that it could be debated by all councillors.

RESOLVED (30 for, 22 against, 1 abstention) - That this Council Meeting objects to the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library under the “Future High Street Fund – StockRoom” decision (CAB339).

This Council Meeting notes:

·         the public consultation conducted by this Council found a majority of respondents were against the permanent removal of library services from Stockport Central Library;

·         petitions with over 8,000 signatories received by this Council opposing the move; and

·         the formal recommendation made by three scrutiny committees not to proceed with the move.

This Council Meeting believes that:

·         Cabinet should rescind the decision to move Central Library from its current location to Merseyway;

·         This Council should proceed with StockRoom, keep Central Library open and seek clarity with the Department of Levelling Up on the formal change procedure to vary the final mix of uses and spend profile; and

·         a cross-party working group should be established to review and secure the long-term viability of Central Library in its historic home.

This Council Meeting requests that the decision is referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration along with the opinion of this Council Meeting as set out above.

To consider the call-in of executive decision CAB339.

This decision has been called in by Councillors Lou Ankers, Lisa Smart and Iain Roberts; and by Councillors John McGahan, Linda Holt and Oliver Johnstone.

The ‘call-in’ deadline expired at 4.00pm on 14 December 2021.

The Executive Decision Record and report are enclosed.

The Scrutiny Committee was advised that Executive Decision CAB339 had been ‘called-in’ by Councillors Lou Ankers, Lisa Smart and Iain Roberts; and also by Councillors John McGahan, Linda Holt and Oliver Johnstone. It was reported that the matter related to a decision taken by the Cabinet on 7 December 2021 with regard to progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project (Stockroom).The report had updated the Cabinet on the outcome of the recent consultation which had been undertaken, and sought approval to relocate the town centre library from Central Library to Stockroom. The report also provided an update regarding potential future uses of the existing Central Library building and sought approval to the proposed course of action set out in Section 10 to progress these issues. The Cabinet had given approval to the recommendations contained within the report as set out in the Executive Decision Record.

Councillor John McGahan outlined his reasons for ‘calling in’ the decision, in particular that the majority of people who had responded to the consultation were opposed to moving library services from the Central Library building. In addition, a petition had been received by the Council signed by over 7,000 people who opposed moving library services out of the Central Library building, and three of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees had passed a resolution opposed to the relocation of library services from the Central Library. The Cabinet had not provided evidence that the award of the Future High Street grant was contingent on the move of library services from the Central Library building. Councillor McGahan moved a motion proposing that the issue be referred to the next Council Meeting for debate.

Councillor Oliver Johnstone contended that the proposals for Stockroom and the transfer of library services from the Central Library were not mutually exclusive. A number of residents did not disagree with the principles of Stockroom but were opposed to moving library services from the Central Library. No evidence had been provided by the Cabinet that moving library services would mean that the Future High Street grant for Stockroom would not be available. The Cabinet had not proved the case that the Central Library had to move.  In addition, he asserted that the Cabinet did not have the authority to proceed. Despite a major marketing exercise, the majority of the people who had responded to the consultation were opposed to moving library services out of the Central Library and over 7,000 people had signed a petition to that effect. In addition, Councillor Johnstone also referred to the detailed consideration of the issues by three of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees and the resolution passed by them at their last meetings opposed to library services being moved out of the Central Library. He contended that the issues raised by the Scrutiny Committees had not been properly addressed by the Cabinet.

Councillor Lou Ankers clarified that she was not opposed to Stockroom, but opposed moving library services from the Central Library. She seconded the motion to refer the issue to the next Council Meeting for debate. Councillor Lisa Smart added that the Scrutiny Committee had a duty to listen to the views of members of the public. Councillor Iain Roberts felt that the option of library services remaining at the Central Library and the Stockroom proposals should be explored. There could be other additional options and he wished for these to be explored as well, including different elements of the library service being located in different buildings. He, and other Councillors who had ‘called-in’ the decision, supported the Cabinet working with the opposition groups on the Council to explore these options.

The Scrutiny Committee debated the need for library services to be accessible, and adhere to the National Disability Strategy 2021 and the Stockport Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy 2020-2023. The proposed sensory area, safe area, changing places facility and disabled changing facilities at Stockroom were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration; Resources, Commisisoiing & Goverannce; and Citizen Focus & Engagement.

The report provides an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom and seeks support and approval on the proposals; and further provides an update on the recent consultation undertaken and seek approval to relocate the town centre library offer from Central Library into Stockroom.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom and approve the proposals.

(2) Note the recent consultation undertaken and approve the relocation the town centre library offer from Central Library Building into Stockroom.

(3) Delegate authority to  the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement, the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration:

(a)       to appoint a contractor to deliver the refurbishment works and execute any necessary letter of intent or other agreement, pending resolution of the final contract, to maintain progress in connection with the redevelopment of Stockroom;

(b)       to take all necessary steps to implement the strategy set out in this report;

(c)       to approve the final Operational Business Plan for Stockroom.

(4) Delegate authority to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the resolutions at 17.1.3.

(5) Note the update provided on the potential future uses of the existing Central Library Building and approve the proposed course of action set out in Section 10 to progress these.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller); Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee); and Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor David Sedgwick) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom and seeking support and approval on the proposals; and further provided an update on the recent consultation undertaken and seeking approval to relocate the town centre library offer from Central Library into Stockroom.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor David Sedgwick) reported that the proposal not only aimed to provide a library service that was fit for the 21^st century but which would also enhance peoples’ lives.  It was stated that Stockroom would be significantly larger than Central Library and as a result would be able to display more books.  It was noted that there was significant opposition from some members of the public with particular regard to the Central Library facility.  However, it was stated that there was an absolute commitment that the building would remain accessible to the public. 

The Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) stated that that representations received through the petition and consultation whilst significant in number could not be said to represent the views of all the residents of Stockport.  It was further stated that the Council had demonstrated a commitment to libraries unlike other parts of the country that had seen the closure of library facilities.  It was noted that Central Library would remain a challenge in terms of the accessibility of the building to all sectors of the population, with particular regard to those with mobility difficulties.   Councillor McGee further stated that it was important to recognise that while Central Library was an asset that served the whole of the borough, it also served as a local library to those less affluent communities both within and directly adjacent to the town centre that deserved access to high quality, modern library facilities.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) reported that the Stockroom proposal represented a significant investment in the future of the library service in Stockport which would repurpose 70,000 sq foot of underutilised space in the heart of the town centre which would allow for the display of significantly more books than could be provided at the Central Library facility.  The enhanced facility would provide for enhance computer facilities and provide a place for children to do their homework.  It was further stated that the relocation of the adult education service into Central Library would allow for the provision of an enhanced service to tackle the issue of poor literacy and improve access to the economy and jobs.

The following comments were then made/ issues raised:-

·         It would not be possible to spend the £14.5m from the Future High Street Fund on the Central Library facility.

·         There was insufficient funding available for the Council to be able to develop and enhance services itself at the Central Library site.

·         Stockroom would provide an opportunity to display more books and provide more services than would be possible at Central Library.

·         The provision of changing places facilities was welcomed.

·         The new Stockroom development would go some way to tackling issues of inequality in the borough.

·         The Central Library building would continue to have a secure future as part of these proposals.

RESOLVED - (1) That the update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom be noted and approval be given to the proposals.

(2) That the recent consultation undertaken be noted and approval be given to the relocation the town centre library offer from Central Library Building into Stockroom.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement; the Cabinet Member for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive

To provide an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

Consideration was given to a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Stockport’s High Street Fund project, Stockroom, and updating Members on the recent consultation which had been undertaken.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) and Nick How from Qa Research attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Reference was made to the differences in the consultation responses between those which were on-line and those which were face-to-face with a majority of residents who completed the online self completion questionnaire disagreeing with the proposal to move library services from Central Library to Stockroom.
• The proposals were geared to creating more potential users of the library than those who current used the Central Library. However, a number of library users had indicated that they wouldn’t use the library service if it went to Stockroom.
• Concern was expressed that the majority of people who responded to the consultation had indicated that they wished to keep the library in its current location and the proposals in the report went against their wishes.
• A Member enquired whether the possibility of expanding the Central Library building had been explored.
• A Member’s perception was that the area around Central Library felt safer than the Merseyway Precinct.
• Concern was expressed about the longevity of the fabric of the Merseyway Precinct given its age.
• The linkage of the Changing Places toilet facilities to the Stockroom building were raised as this had not been referred to in the original proposals.
• There was the opportunity to provide a significant community space through Stockroom which would be accessible to all. There would be a sensory room and changing facilities with hoists for severely disabled children.
• Concern was expressed that a majority of residents with a disability or long term health condition were opposed to the proposals.
• Residents had not been advised of the possible alternative uses for the Central Library at the time of the consultation. A clear strategy was required which could be shared with everybody.
• A Member set out how he had become more reassured as he had acquired more information about the proposals and the intention behind them. He supported cultural activities being held in the Central Library building such as concerts.
• The report highlighted for the first time that the digitisation of resources (library, museum and heritage archives) was distinct from the proposals for Stockroom.
• By reference to the drawings attached to the report, a Member expressed concern about how easy the Stockroom building would be for residents to find their way around.
• If there were concerns about the accessibility of Central Library as a library building, the same concerns would exist if the building was used as an adult education centre.

MOVED AND SECONDED - That the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee recommends that the Cabinet do not proceed with moving library services from Central Library.

For the motion 6, against 3

MOTION CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – (6 for, 3 against) That the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee recommends that the Cabinet do not proceed with moving library services from Central Library.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive.

To provide an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940, paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services and Education (Councillor Colin Foster) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Sustaining Stockroom in the long term was a concern and what would happen to the library if Stockroom failed. In response, it was noted that a lot of work had gone into Stockroom as a concept and similar projects around the northwest that were successful were researched e.g. Bracknall, Barnsley, Rochdale, Manchester Library and Chester and the footfall had increased.

·         There were currently a number of empty retail units in Stockport, but what the borough needed was a flagship superstore to attract people to Stockport to spend money. In response, it was commented that if there were superstores that were looking for a site, contact would have been made already, however, a number of superstores/chains around the country were closing on the high streets as it was an outdated concept with more and more people shopping online.

·         The existing and proposed developments in Stockport Town Centre relating to Stockroom, Next, M&S Employment Unit, Mersey Innovation Centre, Leisure facilities at Redrock and the relocation of Stepping Hill Hospital would impact the smaller units and decrease footfall which could potentially close these units.

·         It was noted that there would be an increase in footfall with these existing and new proposed developments which could have the opposite effect increase footfall and the demand for more units.

·         Clarification was sought relating to £14.5m fund from Government and the cost to taxpayers in Stockport for the Stockroom development. In response, it was stated that the capital costs would be £400,000, with the revenue costs being cost neutral, with some modest income generation.

·         It was commented that the children’s promise sets out that ‘public libraries would welcome children from the very earliest months, helping parents and carers to support their child as they grow’.

·         Information was sought relating to the consultation and what the views were of the young people that were engaged. In response, it was noted that 82% of young people who completed the survey were between the ages of 15-17 years old, with 65% who thought it was a good idea, 31% were unsure, 4% thought it was a bad idea and 37% who said it would make them more likely to use the library if it was moved.

·         A number of focus groups were conducted involving parents with school aged children, people with disabilities, older people, younger people, members of the library staff, the Youth Council and the Leaving Care Group.

·         Sensory issues were increasing in young children and the first 1,001 days to 5 years old were important to a young child and given that there were no ‘sensory rooms’ in Stockport with the nearest one being in Wythenshawe and a lack of changing rooms with a hoist. It was noted that the proposed ‘sensory room’ in Stockroom would be the only one in the borough with the changing facilities being accessible for all.

·         Members enquired about the use of the purpose built classrooms in the Stockport Museum that were designed for young people. In response, it was stated that a written response would be provided to the Committee.

·         Members welcomed some of the good initiatives that were planned for Stockroom as part of the proposals for the children and young people in the Borough.

·         Members enquired about Stockroom and the provisions for young people to be in a quiet and calm space for those who may want to study with all the proposed activities including cafes, office space, a wedding venue and the impact this would have on other  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive

To provide an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

Consideration was given to a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Stockport’s High Street Fund project, Stockroom, and updating Members on the recent consultation which had been undertaken.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement (Councillor David Sedgwick) and Nick How from Qa Research attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Some Members felt that the Scrutiny Committee should oppose the closure of library services at Central Library as this was the view of the majority of the people who had responded to the consultation. They were not opposed to the principle of developing Stockroom, but considered that the Council needed to look again at which services were provided at Central Library and which at Stockroom.
• The Scrutiny Committee needed to distinguish between the building and the service. It was not possible to provide a twenty first century library in a building that had been built in the early part of the twentieth century.
• The need for people to regularly visit the reference library had been overtaken by technological advancements such as the development of tablets and mobile phones. Stockroom offered the opportunity to develop alternative uses for the library.
• Reference was made to the differences in the consultation responses between those which were on-line and those which were face-to-face with a majority of residents who completed the online self completion questionnaire disagreeing with the proposal to move library services from Central Library to Stockroom.
• Concern was expressed that respondents had not been advised of the possible alternative uses for the Central Library at the time of the consultation.
• Stockroom would give people more reason to come into the town centre at a time when there had been a decline in the number of retail units.

MOVED AND SECONDED – That the Cabinet be recommended to not proceed with the relocation of library services from Central Library.

For the motion 5, against 4

MOTION CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – (5 for, 4 against) That the Cabinet be recommended to not proceed with the relocation of library services from Central Library.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive

To provide an update on progress with Stockport’s Future High Street Fund project, Stockroom.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer Contact: Paul Richards on 0161 474 2940 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk

Consideration was given to a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Stockport’s High Street Fund project, Stockroom, and updating Members on the recent consultation which had been undertaken.

The Cabinet Members for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor David Sedgwick) and Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There had been a decline in the usage of the Central Library over the last ten years and attempts had been made to turn this around.

·         Libraries should also be aimed at young children, not all of whom were academic and who had different ways of working.

·         Young people were now growing up with technology and there had to be new and innovative learning environments for young people.

·         The library building needed to be fit for purpose to enable the service to be inclusive.

·         Libraries should be open to all people, including asylum seekers.

·         The proposed component parts of Stockroom, as set out in paragraph 5.6 of the report, were to be commended.

·         Stockport needed a first class library service that was free and open to all. Since the Central Library was built in Stockport, another sixteen libraries had been built in the borough. Stockport was a different place to the one that existed when the Central Library was built and if was being built today it would be built in a different location in the town centre.

·         The Council should not ignore the opportunity afforded by the successful Future High Street Fund bid.

·         It was possible to respect Stockport’s heritage and see the opportunities presented by Stockroom as the way forward for Stockport. The Council had given a firm commitment that the historic Central Library building would be preserved.

·         Studies had shown that when libraries were included in shopping precincts, their usage increased.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.