Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2017.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Executive held on 13 June 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Executive Councillors on any matters within the powers and duties of the Executive, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting on the card provided.  These are available at the meeting. You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Cabinet on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Three questions were submitted.

(1)   The first question asked how the Council Leader’s new role within Greater Manchester to lead on efforts to improve and protect the environment, green spaces and air quality would benefit Stockport and help protect green spaces, including the Goyt and Poise Brook valleys and the fields of Offerton which were threatened by the Council’s Bypass scheme. It was further asked whether the Leader and other Cabinet members would attend an event in the Poise Brook Valley on 8 July 2017 to take part in the “have a field day” national day of activities to protect green spaces.

In response, the Leader of the Council explained that his new Greater Manchester role was to ensure that growth in the conurbation was sustainable and that everyone had access to good quality open space and air quality. He emphasised that this was not about protecting the status quo. In relation to the invitation the Have a Field Day Event the Leader stated that he would attend were he free to do so and if the event was suitable to attend but requested further details.

Finally, the Leader clarified that the Council was still in the process of gathering further evidence regarding the A6-M60 Bypass rather than proposing the scheme at this stage.

(2)   The second question asked whether the A6-M60 Relief Road Feasibility Study Stage 2 remained ongoing and when it was expected to be considered by the relevant Scrutiny Committee.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration confirmed that the feasibility study remained in progress and anticipated that it would be considered by the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on 21 September 2017, with reports being published a week before this date.

(3)   The third question asked whether the Cabinet would agree to request a copy of the October 2005 Faber Maunsell Geo-environmental Interpretative Report for the SEMMMS Relief Road from that company’s successor organisation Aecom, since the Council no retained a copy of this report and had asserted that it could not provide a copy as Faber Maunsell no longer existed.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration stated that the Council would not be approaching anyone for a copy of the report because it was produced in 2004 so would hold no validity for the current M60-A6 Relief Road feasibility process. She confirmed that were the Council in a position to progress with a scheme a further study would be commissioned.

To consider whether it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to following agenda items in the event that the content of these appendices needing to be discussed:-

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

This report seeks Cabinet approval to progress feasibility and viability work relating to the integration of the Stockport Interchange and Stockport College Relocation projects into a single scheme on the site of existing bus station.

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ within the appendix that has been circulated to cabinet members only)

The Cabinet is invited to agree the following:-

·         That the College Relocation and Interchange projects be combined and approved as a single scheme that will deliver both a new town centre FE facility and a transport Interchange on the site of the existing bus station

·         That the Council work with TfGM to consider whether a residential development can be integrated into the site, in addition to the college and the Interchange structure

·         That the Council explore opportunities for an integrated park as part of the proposed development and improved linkages to the rail station including a bridge

·         That authority is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to complete feasibility, viability, and design works with Stockport College and TfGM resulting in a planning application for a combined scheme

·         That authority is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to take such action as is necessary to deliver a combined scheme subject to reporting back to the Cabinet on the result of the further financial and legal implications and any revised planning decision prior to the Council developing and part funding the scheme.

Officer contact: George Perrin, Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4510 / 4351, George.perrin@stockport.gov.uk / sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to undertake feasibility and viability work on a proposal to integrate the new Stockport Transport Interchange and Stockport College projects into a single scheme on the site of existing bus station.

The Cabinet Member stressed the complexity of the proposal, involving a number of partners and drawing on a number of funding streams, as well as the challenges and risks in phasing any development.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Stockport Interchange and Stockport College projects

·      the College Relocation and Interchange projects be combined and approved as a single scheme to deliver both a new town centre FE facility and a transport Interchange on the site of the existing bus station;

·      officers work with TfGM to consider whether a residential development can be integrated into the site, in addition to the college and the Interchange structure;

·      officers explore opportunities for an integrated park as part of the proposed development and improved linkages to the rail station including a bridge;

·      authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet  Member for Economy and Regeneration, to complete feasibility, viability and design works with Stockport College and TfGM resulting in a planning application for a combined scheme;

·      authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, to take such action as is necessary to deliver a combined scheme subject to reporting back to the Cabinet on the result of the further financial and legal implications and any revised planning decision prior to the Council developing and part funding the scheme.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution.

The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget, with a particular focus on the fourth quarter of 2016/17.

Updates are included on delivery of policy priorities and the growth and reform programme. The report also includes out-turn budget and performance data where this is available, along with an update on the Corporate Risk Register. It is supported by seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports which were considered by the most recent Scrutiny cycle.

The Leader’s Annual Report reflects on recent changes at a national, local and regional level, along with highlights and achievements over the last 12 months. 

These reports will also be considered by CRMG Scrutiny at its next meeting on 4 July.

The Cabinet is be asked to:

(a)   Review progress against delivering Council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report;

(b)   Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3;

(c)   Note the Portfolio cash limit outturn position for 2016/17 as set out in section 2.3;

(d)   Note the position on the 2016/17 budget savings programme set out in section 2.4;

(e)   Note the non-cash limit out-turn position for 2016/17 as set out in section 2.6;

(f)     Approve the release of contingency budgets held for inflationary and demand pressures to support the Adult Social Care and Children and Family Services Portfolios at quarter one of 2017/18, as set out in 2.6.1;

(g)   Approve the funding of redundancy costs from non-cash limit unallocated contingency budgets, as set out in 2.6.2; 

(h)   Approve the use of the non-cash limit surplus and increase in reserve levels set out in 2.7;

(i)     Note the Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8;

(j)     Approve the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.10 and note the outturn reserves and balances position;

(k)   Delegate to the Borough Treasurer, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance the approval of changes to the outturn, reserves and/or balances position following the audit of the Council’s 2016/17 Statement of Accounts set out in section 2.12; 

(l)     Note the outturn position for the 2016/17 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1;

(m)  Note the re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 3.1.4;

(n)   Approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5;

(o)   Approve the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3: and;

(p)   Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or forecast issues or risks.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton/ Michael Cullen, 0161 474 3174 / 0161 218 1032

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an Annual Report on the delivery of the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget during 2016/17, with particular focus on the fourth quarter. The report provided a summary of key activity during the year as well as performance and budget outturns for the full year.

The Leader of the Council highlighted a number of significant issues and key achievements from the previous year, and the continuing financial challenge facing the Council.

The Leader paid tribute to the late Martyn Hett from Heaton Moor who was killed during the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017.

The Leader also paid tribute to the late Councillor Maureen Rowles for her dedication and public service.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Annual Corporate Performance and Resources Report for 2016/17:-

·         progress against delivering Council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 2.2.3 of the report be approved;

·         the Portfolio cash limit outturn position for 2016/17 as set out in section 2.3 of the report be noted;

·         the position on the 2016/17 budget savings programme set out in section 2.4 of the report be noted;

·         the non-cash limit out-turn position for 2016/17 as set out in section 2.6 of the report be noted;

·         the release of contingency budgets held for inflationary and demand pressures to support the Adult Social Care and Children and Family Services Portfolios at quarter one of 2017/18, as set out in 2.6.1 of the report be approved;

·         the funding of redundancy costs from non-cash limit unallocated contingency budgets, as set out in 2.6.2 of the report be approved;

·         the use of the non-cash limit surplus and increase in reserve levels set out in 2.7 of the report be approved;

·         the Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account outturn positions as set out in sections 2.7 and 2.8 of the report be noted;

·         the contributions to/from earmarked reserves and balances as set out in section 2.10 of the report be approved and the outturn reserves and balances position be noted;

·         authority be delegated to the Borough Treasurer, in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance the approval of changes to the outturn, reserves and/or balances position following the audit of the Council’s 2016/17 Statement of Accounts set out in section 2.12 of the report; 

·         the outturn position for the 2016/17 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 of the report be noted;

·         the re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 3.1.4 of the report be noted;

·         the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in 3.1.5 of the report be approved; and

·         the proposals for resourcing the Capital Programme as set out in 3.3 of the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Policy & Devolution.

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2016/17 outturn position and the recommended annual review of the Policy.

Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Note the contents of this report including the recommended use of the Council’s 2016/17 outturn surplus in line with the CPPR reported elsewhere on this agenda; and

·         Approve the proposed 2017/18 Reserves Policy.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies, 0161 218 1025, jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2016/17 outturn position and the recommended annual review of the Policy.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Council’s Reserves Policy:-

·         The 2016/17 Review of the Council’s Reserve Policy be noted and the proposed use of the Council’s 2016/17 outturn surplus in line with the Corporate Performance and Resources Report Annual Report 2016/17; and

·         the proposed 2017/18 Reserves Policy be approved.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution.

Following the confirmation of Cabinet Portfolio responsibilities at the Annual Council Meeting, the seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements (PPRAs) have been considered by the last cycle of Scrutiny Committees. These reflect Cabinet priorities, alongside spending plans set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan and support the outcomes set out in the 2017/18 Council Plan.

The Agreements will provide the basis for Portfolio Performance and Resource Reporting during the year, along with the Corporate and Leader’s Reports.  Final versions of these are now presented for approval by the Executive, incorporating any changes made following discussion with and comments from Scrutiny Committees.

The Cabinet is asked to approve the 2017/18 Portfolio Agreements included at Appendix 1 to the report.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton/ Michael Cullen, 0161 474 3174 / 0161 218 1032.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider revised Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements (PPRAs) that reflected the Cabinet’s priorities, the spending plans set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan and would support delivery of the outcomes set out in the 2017/18 Council Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Health highlighted the ongoing work in relation to Stockport Together and the impending publication of further business cases for consultation. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the concerns held by some about the changes proposed and emphasised the importance of feedback and dialogue. He also stressed the importance of continuing to implement new models of care without placing undue emphasis on the organisational vehicle.

Both the Cabinet Member and the Leader of the Council stressed the financial challenges facing the local health and social care economy and that ‘doing nothing’ was not an option available to local partners.

RESOLVED – That the 2017/18 Portfolio Agreements included at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints, as at the 4th quarter (January - March) 2016/17. The report also compares complaint-handling performance in 2016/17 with the previous year.

The Cabinet is asked to:

·         Review performance information contained in this report, and

·         Comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

Officer contact: Anwar Majothi, 0161 474 3182, anwar.majothi@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an overview of complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2016/17 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that although there was an overall reduction in complaints there had been an increase in complaints relating to Adult Social Care, although there was no discernible trend or pattern. It was suggested that a small group of councillors could meet to consider the issues arising from these complaints.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to complaints received in the fourth quarter of 2016/17 be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Education.

The report sets out the proposed response of the Cabinet to the recommendations made by the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee in their Review ‘Improving Children’s Mental Health’.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the proposed response to the Scrutiny Review.

Officer contact: Dr Donna Sager, 0161 474 3928, donna.sager@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposed response to the recommendations made by the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Committee as part of its Review ‘Improving Children’s Mental Health’.

The Cabinet Member paid tribute to Council officers and school staff for their response to the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017 and the support provided to students either directly affected or distressed by the events.

RESOLVED – (1) That the response to the ‘Improving Children’s Mental Health’ Scrutiny Review Final Report and recommendations be approved.

(2) That the Cabinet’s gratitude and appreciation be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel and for the contributions made by others.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The purpose of this report is to:

·         Provide background information regarding the requirement to procure a single supplier case management and finance solution for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services

·         Provide an overview of the work to date including the approach to developing a functional specification and engagement with suppliers

·         Highlight the resource required to support the purchase and implementation of a single supplier solution

·         Set out the recommended level of investment required to procure a new case management system and the proposed funding arrangements.

·         Highlight the benefits that will be realised through the purchase and implementation of a replacement system, and outline how these benefits will be maximised as a result of the level of investment recommended.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on the content of the report, in particular the proposed acquisition of the software. The Scrutiny Committee is also asked to note the recommended value of the investment and also the proposed funding arrangements.

Officer contact: Jenny Rollinson, 0161 218 1064, jenny.rollinson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to procure a new case management system for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services in light of the current systems no longer being supported by the suppliers.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the value of the investment and proposed funding arrangements for the acquisition of new case management software for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services as detailed in the report.

(2) That the report be referred to the Adult Social Care & Health and Children & Families scrutiny committees.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to appoint a framework of suppliers to deliver both Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) and single discipline projects on behalf of Stockport Council in relation to building and roofing projects.

(Note: the report contains information ‘not for publication’ in its appendices that have been circulated to cabinet members only)

The Cabinet is requested to authorise:-

·      Awarding of a two year contract (plus two optional one year extensions) to the eight suppliers identified in this report for the provision of both Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) and single discipline projects on behalf of Stockport Council in relation to prefabricated buildings;

·      Should any of the proposed eight suppliers fail to enter into a contract with the Council, it is recommended to award to the next highest bidder in sequence attaining the minimum quality score threshold as identified at 5.4 above;

·      Authority be delegated to the Borough Treasurer to finalise and agree the frameworks following consultation with Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance;

·      Authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive or Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance of subsequent call-off contracts under the frameworks;

Officer contact: Charlotte Cordingley, 0161 474 4240, charlotte.cordingley@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the appointment of a framework of suppliers to deliver building and roofing projects on behalf of the Council.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Multi-Disciplinary Design Building & Roofing Framework Contract the following be approved:

·         the awarding of a two year contract (plus two optional one year extensions) to the suppliers identified in this report for the provision of both Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) and single discipline projects on behalf of Stockport Council in relation to Building & Roofing works;

·         in the event of any of the proposed suppliers fail to enter into a contract with the Council, the next highest bidder in sequence attaining the minimum quality score threshold as identified in the report be awarded a contract;

·         authorisation for the Borough Treasurer to finalise and agree the frameworks following consultation with Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance;

·         authorisation for the Deputy Chief Executive or Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance of subsequent call-off contracts under the frameworks.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·           approve the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2017/18, as set out in the attached Schedule;

·           ratify the nominations and appointments made by the Annual Council Meeting on 16 May 2017 in respect of those bodies detailed in final section of the attached schedule; and

·           authorise the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Executive Meeting on 18 July 2017.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider nominations of representatives of the Council to sit on outside and associated bodies.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the nomination of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2017/18:-

·         the proposals set out in the schedule to the report be approved, subject to the nomination of Councillor Philip Harding to the AGMA Planning & Housing Commission;

·         the nominations and appointments made by the Annual Council Meeting on 16 May 2017 in respect of those bodies detailed in final section of the attached schedule be ratified; and

·         the Interim Chief Executive be authorised, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting on 18 July 2017.

·         the Interim Chief Executive be requested to review the continued relevance of the outside bodies contained within the schedule.

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

This report asks for formal consideration to be given to the closure of the current section 48 AGMA Grants Scheme, with a view to its replacement by a new scheme under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Give initial consideration to the case for closure of the Section 48 AGMA Grants programme and authorise a consultation on closure of the scheme to be undertaken by AGMA to inform a final decision on closure to be taken at a later date.

·         Support the development of a new funding programme for culture, under the GMCA, as a potential replacement for the Section 48 Scheme.

·         Note that it is intended to run the consultation for a new CA programme for culture at the same time as the consultation on closure of the Section 48 scheme.

Officer contact: Alan Lawson, 0161 474 5397, alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal from the AGMA Executive Board to begin a consultation on closing the current Section 48 Grants Scheme with a view to its replacement by a new scheme under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that no formal decision was being made on the future of the scheme at this stage but that any proposals would be subject to scrutiny and public consultation.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the AGMA Section 48 Grants Scheme:

·         the case for closure of the current Section 48 AGMA Grants programme be noted and authorisation be given for a consultation on closure of the scheme to be undertaken by AGMA to inform a final decision on closure to be taken at a later date;

·         the development of a new funding programme for culture, under the GMCA, as a potential replacement for the Section 48 Scheme be supported;

·         the intention to run the consultation for a new Combined Authority programme for culture at the same time as the consultation on closure of the Section 48 scheme be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution

To note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Joint AGMA/ GMCA meetings held on 28 April 2017.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Joint AGMA/GMCA meetings held on 28 April 2017.

The Leader highlighted decisions relating to:

·         the designation of GMCA as an Intermediate Body for the purpose of European Structural and Investment Funds that would give GMCA greater control over the allocation of these resources;

·         the outcome of the independent review conducted by Lord Bradley of the Greater Manchester Crisis Concordat;

·         the GMCA’s response to the Government’s Housing White Paper;

·         agreement for investment in the Greater Manchester reform programme.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Executive Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.

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

The purpose of the report is to update on the continuing work around improving the offer in the Market Place and to seek authority to use Council assets in the Market Place to attract a strong ‘anchor’, to boost footfall and improve trading conditions in the wider area.

The Cabinet is asked to;
 

(i)     Note the progress made with new short term management operation for the Markets.

(ii)    Authorise the initiation of a procurement process for longer term management operator/s for the remaining market assets (Covered Market Hall, Outdoor Market and 20th Century Stores) to take effect from 1^st April 2018 for a period of five to seven years).

(iii)  Approve the commencement of marketing and letting of The Produce Hall and Blackshaws Café, and the ground floor of No 18 – 19 Market Place, in the event of agreement with MMU to surrender use thereof, to users who would act as an ‘anchor tenant/s’ in the Market Place with a further report to be presented on the outcome of this exercise prior to any arrangements being entered into.

(iv)  Note the development of a markets and animation strategy that will contribute to the regeneration of the wider Town Centre.

(v)   Agree that delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with in consultation with the Cabinet Members (Reform and Governance) and (Economy and Regeneration) to agree the terms of any occupational interests at each of the Council owned assets in the Market Place (except The Covered Market Hall).

(vi)  Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above resolutions.

Officer contact: George Perrin, 0161-474-4510, george.perrin@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the continuing work to improve the Market Place and to seek authority to market Council assets in the Market Place to attract a strong ‘anchor’ to boost footfall and improve trading conditions in the wider area.

The Cabinet Member thanked the Market Traders for their constructive engagement with the Council in developing these proposals.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Market Place

·         progress made with new short term management operation for the Markets be noted;

·         authorisation be given to the initiation of a procurement process for longer term management operator/s for the remaining market assets (Covered Market Hall, Outdoor Market and 20th Century Stores) to take effect from 1st April 2018 for a period of five to seven years);

·         approval be given to the commencement of marketing and letting of The Produce Hall and Blackshaw’s Café, and the ground floor of No 18 – 19 Market Place, in the event of agreement with MMU to surrender use thereof, to users who would act as an ‘anchor tenant/s’ in the Market Place with a further report to be presented on the outcome of this exercise prior to any arrangements being entered into;

·         the development of a markets and animation strategy that would contribute to the regeneration of the wider Town Centre be noted;

·         authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Reform & Governance and Economy & Regeneration to agree the terms of any occupational interests at each of the Council owned assets in the Market Place (except The Covered Market Hall); and

·         the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance be authorised to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above resolutions.