Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 14 November 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

Personal & Prejudicial Interest

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Cabinet Members on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet, 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 their powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Seventeen questions were submitted.

(1)  Would any consultation on the possible A6-M60 bypass be similar to previous consultation by implying the bypass would alleviate congestion problems, rather than explaining the loss of greenspaces and projected increases in traffic, and would the Cabinet not agree that the consultation should be impartial?

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration responded that any public consultation on this matter would take place in the context of the full suite of current information that the Council had made available through the publication of the strategic outline business case and the supporting documents. By publishing this information the Cabinet was ensuring that all the information currently held about the scheme was available for everyone to view and consider, and the Cabinet’s aim was always to ensure engagement with residents on any issue was done in a fair and open manner, and this consultation would be no different.

(2)  Would the Cabinet provide details of what the proposed technical appraisals of the A6-M60 bypass would cover; what would be done to overcome the inadequacies of the previous traffic modelling using origin-destination data, and whether further modelling should not wait until after the opening of the A6MARR as suggested in the Feasibility Study?

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration drew attention to the statements in the report, namely that the development of the business case for a major scheme of this kind evolved over time and information was updated as a scheme progressed from one business case stage to another to ensure that new and updated information (such as the impact of other new road schemes – e.g. A6MARR) was taken into account. This was essential given that it could take many years to develop a scheme’s business case. 

In terms of the technical appraisals needed for the Outline Business Case to be submitted to government for consideration, the Cabinet Member stated that for Large Majors funding in June 2018, these would include an environmental scoping report and continued review and refinement of the technical analysis of the scheme, including such areas as flood risk and air quality. Further work would also be undertaken to refine the traffic modelling.

(3)  Concern was expressed that the Council would not adequately reflect the views of those living along the proposed bypass route nor those signatories to the recent petition, so details were requested about how interested parties could contact the government’s Investment Committee to submit evidence.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration stated that it had been made very clear throughout the recent debates on this issue that a major public consultation would be held in the New Year as part of the next stage of business case development and prior to any scheme bid being submitted to government in June 2018. This would be an opportunity for all residents and businesses in the borough to express their views on the scheme. This was one of the major reasons that further funding was being requested from government before any bid was submitted, to ensure that this public consultation could take place and a full consultation report be produced.

(4)  Given the emphasis placed on openness and transparency by the Council, why had consultation on the proposed parking charges at Romiley Station only been via a statutory notice in the local newspaper and no efforts made to inform the public given the impact this would have on confidence from the wider community?

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing responded by stating that the statutory notice detailing the proposals was published in the Stockport Express on the 8 November 2017 through a full page notice. Outside of the statutory process the Council had canvassed opinion from local business forums, the Town Centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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 following items:-

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance.

The Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update is in two parts:

·         MTFP Financial Landscapes and Forecasts 2018/19 to 2022/23 (update following 2017 Autumn Budget)

·         MTFP Cabinet Response: Stockport’s Growth and Reform Programme

The first part of this report outlines the update to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts and assumptions taking account of local and national changes including the Government’s 2017 Autumn Budget announcements since the Summer Review.

This report revisits the initial assumptions made following the Summer Review and considers the ongoing uncertainty around the reform of the Local Government Financing Regime, pay inflation negotiations and the complexity of the transformational change needed to move the Council to a self-sufficient funding model by 2019/20.

Cabinet is recommended to:

•        Note the details of the report including the announcements made in the Government’s 2017 Autumn Budget;

•        Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2018/19 to 2022/23, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council;

•        Note the budget reduction requirement for 2018/19 of £1.221m and the indicative cumulative reduction requirement of £16.556m in 2019/20 rising to £47.101m in 2022/23; and

•        Take the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2018/19 to the Budget Council meeting on 22 February 2018.

Officer contact: Holly Rae / Jonathan Davies, 0161 474 3014 / 0161 218 1025, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk / jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the Council’s 2018/19 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions taking account of local and national changes since the completion of the Summer Review, including the Government’s 2017 Autumn Budget announcements.

The Leader of the Council reported on the announcement made earlier in the day on the 2018/19 local government financial settlement. This announcement included the ability to raise Council Tax by a further 1% before triggering a local referendum and allowing a doubling of the Police precept up to £12. The government had also announced that councils could raise pay by up to 2%, but this would need to be funded through Council Tax increases. Given the lateness of the settlement publication, the Cabinet had not yet considered the implications of these announcements.

The Leader highlighted the challenge of the financial situation facing the Council.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the updated Medium Term Financial Plan Financial Landscapes and Forecasts 2018/19 to 2022/23:-

·                the details of the report including the announcements made in the Government’s 2017 Autumn Budget be noted;

·                the financial forecasts for 2018/19 to 2022/23, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;

·                the budget reduction requirement for 2018/19 of £1.221m and the indicative cumulative reduction requirement of £16.556m in 2019/20 rising to £47.101m in 2022/23 be noted; and

·                the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2018/19 to the Budget Council meeting on 22 February 2018 continue to be taken.

This update forms the latest iteration of the Cabinet response to the medium term pressures presented within the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), including the considerations identified following the Budget. In particular this report presents a series of proposals (originally discussed at July, August and October Cabinet) which have recently undergone consultation or further development for consideration by Cabinet. These proposals form part of the Cabinet’s response to the MTFP and specifically seek to address budget reductions during 2018/19 as well as inform longer term reforms.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

•     Discuss the progress outlined within this report and note the considerations outlined within section 3 in relation to consultation, workforce implications and equality implications;

•     Discuss the updated proposals appended (appendix 4-7) and consider the recommendations below:

Children and Young Peoples Proposals (appendix 4)

•        Consider the consultation responses and updated proposals and approve these for implementation;

•        Note the commitment in relation to the Free School Bus Passes proposal to review existing arrangements and return to Cabinet in February with further detail on mitigating actions;

Parking Charges (appendix 5):

•        The Cabinet has considered these responses and concerns raised through the consultation process and resolved to;

-       Arrange for officers to meet with the groups and individuals who have contacted the council to review detailed proposals and alternatives before implementation, assessing potential alternatives which will generate similar levels of savings;

-       Review tariffs annually to assess income levels and  impact upon car park usage and displacement onto residential streets;

Income Recovery and Cost Recovery (appendix.6):

•        Consider the updated proposal and approve this for implementation

Information, Advice and Guidance (appendix.7):

•        Consider the consultation responses and updated proposal and approve this for implementation.

•     Note the commitment to bring a further report to Cabinet in February with proposals relating to Adult Social Care and Public Health.

Officer contact: Holly Rae / Jonathan Davies, 0161 474 3014 / 0161 218 1025, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk / jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the Council’s 2018/19 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions taking account of local and national changes since the completion of the Summer Review, including the Government’s 2017 Autumn Budget announcements.

Cabinet Members summarised and highlighted key issues relating to the proposals within their portfolios.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Family Services stated that in light of the consultation it was now proposed to include an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the KITE proposals. As this document had not been considered by the Scrutiny Committee it was proposed to defer a decision on this proposal until the Scrutiny Committee had been given the opportunity to comment on the EIA. The Leader of the Council stated that the Cabinet nevertheless had confidence in the proposals, and improved provision in certain respects.

Cabinet Members reiterated earlier statements in relation to the challenging financial situation facing the Council and the need to make decisions that could be controversial, but emphasised the openness of the process and the responsiveness of the Cabinet to feedback received.

RESOLVED – (1) That report and the progress on the growth and reform programme outlined within the Medium Term Financial Plan Cabinet Response report and the considerations outlined within section 3 in relation to consultation, workforce implications and equality implications be noted.

(2) That in relation to the following specific proposals set out in appendices 4-7 of the report:

(i)     Children and Young Peoples Proposals (appendix 4)

·         the consultation responses be noted and the updated proposals be approved for implementation;

·         the commitment in relation to the Free School Bus Passes proposal to review existing arrangements and return to Cabinet in February with further detail on mitigating actions be noted;

·         the intention to consult with the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee on the Equality Impact Assessment for the KITE service proposal prior to consideration by the Cabinet in February be noted.

(ii)    Parking Charges (appendix 5):

following consideration of the responses and concerns raised through the consultation process it be agreed to:

·         Arrange for officers to meet with the groups and individuals who have contacted the council to review detailed proposals and alternatives before implementation, assessing potential alternatives which will generate similar levels of savings;

·         review tariffs annually to assess income levels and  impact upon car park usage and displacement onto residential streets;

(iii)  Income Recovery and Cost Recovery (appendix.6):

·         Approval be given to the updated proposal for implementation

(iv)  Information, Advice and Guidance (appendix 7):

·         the consultation responses be noted and the updated proposal be approved for implementation.

(3) That the commitment to submit a further report to Cabinet in February 2017 relating to proposal for Adult Social Care and Public Health be noted.

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

This report deals with the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2017/18, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2018/19 and also presents a forecast for Business Rates income for 2018/19.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·                Declare a forecast Collection Fund deficit of £1.941m in 2017/18 relating to a Council Tax surplus of £1.287m and Business Rates deficit of £3.228m;

·                Approve the 2018/18 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 93,361.2 Band D equivalent properties;

·                Provisionally approve the 2018/19 forecast for Business Rates income of £83.135m; and

·                Approve the use of the Collection Fund 2016/17 growth funds and 2017/18 forecast position declared to support the Council’s MTFP and to increase the Council’s Capital Programme Investment Reserve as part of the Reserves Policy.

The Cabinet is also recommended to delegate the following decisions to the Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance:

·                The decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 6.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2017/18, the setting of the Council Tax Base for 2018/19 and providing a forecast for Business Rates income for 2018/19.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the volatility in business rate forecasting, and the benefits of mitigating some of that risk through the pooling of business rate income through Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Stockport Billing Area -2018/19 Council Tax Taxbase and Non Domestic Rates forecast:

·         a forecast Collection Fund deficit of £1.941m in 2017/18 relating to a

·         Council Tax surplus of £1.287m and Business Rates deficit of £3.228m be declared;

·         the 2018/19 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 93,361.2 Band D equivalent properties be approved;

·         the 2018/19 forecast for Business Rates income of £83.135m be provisionally approved; and

·         the use of the Collection Fund 2016/17 growth funds and 2017/18 forecast position declared to support the Council’s MTFP and to increase the Council’s Capital Programme Investment Reserve as part of the Reserves Policy be approved.

(2) That the decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 6 be delegated to the Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance.

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

Following a commitment by Cabinet to release the strategic outline business case for the A6 to M60 Relief Road once it was complete, this report provides an update on the status of the Strategic Outline Business Case for the A6 to M60 Relief Road and the required next steps to progress the scheme, including the financial implications and timescales of these steps.

A review of the Strategic Outline Business Case and the potential next steps was undertaken by Council Meeting on 30 November, and the Council Meeting resolved to recommend to Cabinet that a formal funding request be submitted to government to fund the next stage of business case development.

In light of the resolution of the Council Meeting on 30 November 2017 at which it was recommended that the Cabinet progress the next steps identified in Section 6 of the report, including the submission of a formal funding request to government to fund the next stage of business case development, the Cabinet is recommended to adopt and action the recommendation of the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, 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 draft Strategic Outline Business Case for a relief road between the A6 and M60 as part of a first phase of work to review the strategic case for such a road in light of contemporary evidence. A further phase of work, subject to Government approval, was needed to produce a full business case and detailed scheme prior any application for Government funding of the scheme construction costs and prior to submission of any planning application and associated public consultation.

The Cabinet Member referred to the three hour debate during the Council Meeting, at which 37 councillors spoke after which the Council Meeting recommended to the Cabinet that it proceed to the next stage of Business Case development.

Cabinet Members discussed and commented on the proposals.The issues raised included:-

·         although councillors had expressed a wish for more information on the impact and viability of the road, there was already significant evidence available on the impact of road building, particular the relatively quick loss of benefit, spread of congestion and air pollution, and the expansion of ancillary development;

·         much of the evidence of the impact would only be available after a road was built, but existing studies demonstrated the limited benefits similar schemes actually accrued;

·         the environmental and ecological damage of the road would be significant and could not be mitigated against;

·         the SEMMMS Strategy had emphasised the need to change travel patterns and habits, including away from cars, and this needed to happen before new roads were considered;

·         collecting more evidence would allow the matter to be settled more finally than just making a decision based on the current draft outline business case;

·         by moving the next stage this would allow a more comprehensive engagement and consultation with the public and give an opportunity for those residents not previously engaged by the public campaigns;

·         it was a concern that many of the assessments of the impact of the road would not be available before a public consultation;

·         it was important that any consultation be clear about the information that the Council has and does not have.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration emphasised that no decision was being taken on whether to build a new road, only whether to proceed to a further stage of business case development.

RESOLVED (5 in favour, 3 against) - That in light of the recommendation of the Council Meeting on 30 November 2017, that approval be given to progressing to the next stage of Outline Business Case development of the A6 to M60 Relief Road as set out in Section 6 of the report, and to seek funding from the Department of Transport for this work.

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

A review of the car parking strategy in the Town Centre has been undertaken to ensure that the Council’s approach is fit for purpose in light of the level of change in the town centre; that the approach supports longer term aspirations for the town centre; and that it takes account of future developments and demand for parking.

Following review by Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee in November, informal consultation on the draft strategy has been undertaken with key stakeholders in Stockport Town Centre to seek feedback on the proposals. The draft strategy has been revised to take account of the feedback received.

In light of this feedback, Cabinet is recommended to review and adopt the Stockport Town Centre Car Parking Strategy.

Cabinet is recommended

•     Note the feedback received from stakeholders and the changes made to the draft strategy as a result

•     Endorse the adoption of the revised strategy

•     Consider the proposals identified by the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to undertake a similar review of current parking policy for the district centres.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, 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 revised Car Parking Strategy for the Town Centre that had been reviewed in light of changes to have taken place and to ensure it supported the longer term aspirations, future developments and demands for parking in the Town Centre.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the need for the existing Strategy to be reviewed, given the significant changes taking place in the Town Centre, and the importance of keeping its provisions under review to ensure it supported and enhanced the vitality of the Town Centre.

The Cabinet Member also supported the proposal from the Environment & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee that a similar review and strategy was needed for district centre parking.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Car Parking Strategy

·         the feedback received from stakeholders and the changes made to the draft strategy as a result be noted;

·         the adoption of the revised strategy be endorsed;

·         approval be given to the suggestion of the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee for a similar review of current parking policy for the district centres be undertaken.

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

The report sets out proposals for a scheme that forms part of the Stockport Town Centre Access Plan, to link together cycle paths across the borough, by widening an existing shared use path.  Locally, the scheme will provide safety benefits to pedestrians and cyclists at an existing pinch-point by reducing pedestrian/ cycle conflicts. Negotiations to acquire land in 3^rd party ownership have thus far not concluded and therefore, in order to ensure certainty of the Council’s ability to assemble the land required to implement the Scheme within a reasonable timeframe, and to deliver the significant public benefits which the Scheme will give rise to, the Council considers that a Compulsory Purchase Order must be made.

The Cabinet it recommended to:-

·         Agree the contents of this report, together with the drafts of the Order front sheet, the Order Schedule, the Order Map and the Statement of Reasons provided herewith, and having done so, to resolve to make the Order (under the Highways Act 1980 and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984) for the reasons set out in the draft Statement of Reasons and to assemble the land and secure the rights required to deliver the TCAP 601 Scheme, and to submit the Order to the Secretary of State for Transport for confirmation.

·         Delegate to the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration authority to:

a)    make minor amendments and/or modifications, as required, to the Order front sheet, the Order Schedule, the Order Map and the Statement of Reasons, and to approve the said documents, prior to the Order being made and submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport for confirmation;

b)   if authorised by the Secretary of State, to confirm the Order;

c)    continue to engage in negotiations and, where possible, to agree terms for the Council to acquire by voluntary means all of the land and interests comprised within the Order Land where such land and interests are in third party ownership;

d)   in the event that objections are made to the Order, take all necessary steps to address and, where possible, resolve those objections and, if necessary, to prepare for and participate in any public inquiry convened by the Secretary of State for Transport to consider the Order.

•      Delegate to the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance authority to:

a)    provided the Order is confirmed by the Secretary of State, take all necessary steps to bring the Order into operation such that the Council’s powers of compulsory acquisition, as secured by the Order, are exercised, and possession of the Order Land taken (including the making and service of one or more General Vesting Declarations and, where necessary, the preparation and service of Notices to Treat and Notices of Entry);

b)   approve agreements with affected parties setting out the terms of any withdrawals of objections to the Order, including, where appropriate, the exclusion of land from the Order; if considered acceptable having regard to scheme delivery, seek the consent of the Secretary of State for Transport to make modifications to the Order (including the Order Schedule and the Order Map); and, where appropriate, agree to refrain from compulsorily acquiring/vesting any land and/or interests included within the Order;

c)    defend any third party proceedings challenging the confirmation of the Order by the Secretary of State for Transport;

d)   commence or defend any proceedings in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) concerning the determination of the compensation to which affected parties whose land and/or interests are acquired pursuant to the Order may be entitled, and to take all necessary steps to deal with, settle and/or dispose of those proceedings (as the case may be);

e)    do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, 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 (scheme 601) for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to support a scheme within the Stockport Town Centre Access Plan that would provide for the widening of existing footways and the creation of share use path for pedestrians and cyclists on New Bridge Lane. Although negotiations with landowners had been undertaken it was considered that the use of CPO would ensure the implementation of the scheme within a reasonable timeframe.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Town Centre Access Package Compulsory Purchase Order 601 report be agreed together with the drafts of the Order front sheet, the Order Schedule, the Order Map and the Statement of Reasons provided herewith, and having done so, to resolve to make the Order (under the Highways Act 1980) for the reasons set out in the draft Statement of Reasons and to assemble the land and secure the rights required to deliver the TCAP 601 Scheme, and to submit the Order to the Secretary of State for Transport for confirmation.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be authorised to:

a)    make minor amendments and/or modifications, as required, to the Order front sheet, the Order Schedule, the Order Map and the Statement of Reasons, and to approve the said documents, prior to the Order being made and submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport for confirmation;

b)    if authorised by the Secretary of State, to confirm the Order;

c)    continue to engage in negotiations and, where possible, to agree terms for the Council to acquire by voluntary means all of the land and interests comprised within the Order Land where such land and interests are in third party ownership;

d)    in the event that objections are made to the Order, take all necessary steps to address and, where possible, resolve those objections and, if necessary, to prepare for and participate in any public inquiry convened by the Secretary of State for Transport to consider the Order.

(3) That the Head of Legal and Democratic Governance be authorised to:

a)    (providing the Order is confirmed by the Secretary of State), take all necessary steps to bring the Order into operation such that the Council’s powers of compulsory acquisition, as secured by the Order, are exercised, and possession of the Order Land taken (including the making and service of one or more General Vesting Declarations and, where necessary, the preparation and service of Notices to Treat and Notices of Entry);

b)    approve agreements with affected parties setting out the terms of any withdrawals of objections to the Order, including, where appropriate, the exclusion of land from the Order; if considered acceptable having regard to scheme delivery, seek the consent of the Secretary of State for Transport to make modifications to the Order (including the Order Schedule and the Order Map); and, where appropriate, agree to refrain from compulsorily acquiring/vesting any land and/or interests included within the Order;

c)    defend any third party proceedings challenging the confirmation of the Order by the Secretary of State for Transport;

d)    commence or defend any proceedings in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) concerning the determination of the compensation to which affected parties whose land and/or interests are acquired pursuant to the Order may be entitled, and to take all necessary steps to deal with, settle and/or dispose of those proceedings (as the case may be);

e)    do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the abovementioned resolutions.

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

The Government’s response to the 2014 Transport Resilience Review identified a need for local authorities to develop and identify a resilient network for their highway network. The resilient network was initially to ensure that during extreme weather conditions, access to key services and necessary support to the economy are maintained.

The Council is now also required to provide consideration of industrial action, major incidents and other local risks beyond weather related incidents impacting on the highway. The document has been updated to reflect this. The Government also recommends that the network is reviewed every two years. It has been 2 years since the original network was identified and so this review has been undertaken.

Cabinet is requested to approve:

•        The proposed prioritisation process, network identified and the actions recommended for the different incident type.

•        That future approval of amendments to the network in line with the adopted guidelines is delegated to the Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, 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 an updated Resilient Network document, updated in light of new guidance from the government, to set out how the Council would ensure access to the highway network would be maintained in the event of extreme weather, major incidents and other local risks.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Resilient Network Review:

·         The proposed prioritisation process, network identified and the actions recommended for the different incident types be approved

·         future approval of amendments to the network in line with the adopted guidelines be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Education.

Offerton Hall Nursery has been identified as requiring review following a proposal by the Nursery School in 2016 to improve sustainability of the provision. With upcoming changes to nursery education provision nationally, consideration must be given to the future viability and sustainability of the setting.

The Cabinet is asked to consider feedback from public consultation and requests a decision on whether to publish related statutory proposals for future nursery education arrangements at Offerton Hall Nursery and Dial Park Primary Schools.

The Cabinet is requested to consider feedback from the consultation and approve the publication of related statutory proposals to:

·         Discontinue Offerton Hall Nursery School with effect from 31^st August 2018; and

·         Reduce the lower age limit of Dial Park Primary School in order to accommodate nursery provision with effect from 1^st September 2018.

The Cabinet is also requested to delegate authority for the final decisions to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education if there are no significant objections received during the formal representation period.

Officer contact: Michelle Booth, 0161 218 1061, michelle.booth@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circualted) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcome of a consultation on changes to Offerton Hall Nursery and Dial Park Primary School.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the schools involved and most of the respondents to the consultation had been supportive of the proposals. He also stressed that while there was likely to be impacts of the proposals on staff, there was confidence that this could be managed effectively to minimise that impact.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to proposals for the future of Offerton Hall Nursery and Dial Park Primary School the feedback to from the consultation be noted and approval be given to the publication of related statutory proposals to:

·           discontinue Offerton Hall Nursery School with effect from 31st August 2018; and

·           reduce the lower age limit of Dial Park Primary School in order to accommodate nursery provision with effect from 1st September 2018.

(2) That authority for the final decisions on the proposals be delegated to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education in the event that there were no significant objections received during the formal representation period.

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

This Pay Policy Statement sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.  The policy also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The Councils Gender Pay Gap information is also included for the first time in line with the new publication requirements.

Once approved by the Council Meeting, this policy statement will come into immediate effect and will be subject to review on a minimum of an annual basis, the policy for the next financial year being approved by 31 March each year.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the following:-

·         the submission of the Pay Policy Statement for the Council for adoption at the Council Meeting on the 18th January 2018.

·         an increase in the Living Wage rate paid by the Council, in line with current policy, to £8.75 per hour, with effect from 1 April 2018.

·         to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

Officer contact: Greg McNair, 0161 218 1427, greg.mcnair@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 increase the Living Wage Rate paid by the Council and to consider the Pay Policy Statement produced in accordance with requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the proposed increase in the living wage. He also highlighted the inclusion within the report of information on the gender pay gap, and that while any such gap was not acceptable, the overall situation for the Council was positive.

Cabinet members emphasised the importance of ensuring that the Council’s pay structure supported and encouraged staff to prevent high levels of turnover that was ultimately more costly to the Council and the quality of services.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt the Pay Policy Statement for the Council.

(2) That approval be given to the increase in the Living Wage rate paid by the Council, in line with current policy to £8.75 per hour, with effect from 1 April 2018.

(3) That agreement be given to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

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

The report sets out a proposal to temporarily amend the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to allow for the piloting of a risk-based sourcing approach for procurement.

The Cabinet is invited to review and comment on the proposed changes and recommend to the Council Meeting that it approve the necessary changes to the Council Constitution.

Officer contact: Nichola Cooke (STAR), 07711 45455.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to temporarily amend the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to allow for the piloting of a risk-based sourcing approach for procurement.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the proposed changes to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules detailed in the report, to allow for the Council to participate in a risk-based sourcing procurement pilot.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

In December 2016, the GMCA and AGMA agreed to undertake a consultation on the formal closure of the Section 48 AGMA Grants programme and the development of a new funding programme for culture under Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Following this consultation, this report seeks the agreement of Cabinet to the closure of the AGMA Section 48 grants programme.  This will be replaced with a similar GMCA Culture and Social Impact Fund from April 2018.

The Cabinet is asked to:

i)     note the outcome and mitigating actions of the completed consultation on the proposed closure of the AGMA-run Section 48 grants programme;

ii)    authorise the closure of the Section 48 Grants scheme, noting that it will be replaced by the GMCA Culture and Social Impact Programme.

Officer contact: Peter Ashworth, 0161 474 2392, peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcome of a consultation on the possible closure of the AGMA Section 48 Grant scheme and the development of a new funding programme for culture and social impact under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that although the current scheme funded few organisations or schemes in Stockport, local residents benefited more than any other in Greater Manchester from the projects. It was hoped that the proposed new scheme would encourage interest from smaller organisations and a more diverse cultural offer, while supporting the longer term strategic priorities of the Combine Authority.

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

·         the outcome and mitigating actions of the completed consultation on the proposed closure of the grants programme be noted;

·         authorisation be given to the closure of the Section 48 Grants scheme, noting that it would be replaced by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture and Social Impact Programme.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS) was launched on 27 October and all ten authorities are being asked to take this report (Item A and Appendices 1-3) through their decision making process updating members on the refresh of the GMS and the development of a new GMS Implementation Plan.

Cabinet is asked to:

a)    note that the new Greater Manchester Strategy has now been launched;

b)   note that a Greater Manchester Strategy Implementation Plan has been published and that this will be updated 6-monthly and progress monitored against a performance dashboard; and

c)    agree to receive regular updates on the GMS Implementation Plan given the Council’s key role in delivering the actions set out in this document.

Officer contact: Steve Skelton, 0161 474 3174, steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with the recently approved Greater Manchester Strategy and associated Implementation Plan.

The Leader emphasised that the Strategy had been subject to extensive engagement prior to its launch in October 2017, and would provide something against which the performance of the Combined Authority could be judged. Relevant elements of this Strategy would also be incorporated into the next Council Plan.

RESOLVED - That in relation to the Greater Manchester Strategy and Implementation Plan:

·         the launch of the new Strategy be noted;

·         the publication of the Implementation Plan and the intention that this will be updated 6-monthly and progress monitored against a performance dashboard be noted;

·         agreement be given to receive regular updates on the Strategy Implementation Plan given the Council’s key role in delivering the actions set out in this document.

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

The Cabinet is invited to note the decision of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and AGMA Executive Board taken at the meetings held on 24 November 2017.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and AGMA Executive Board on 24 November 2017.

The Leader highlighted decisions relating to:-

·         The signing the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Accord.

·         Agreement to use £1.8m of Warm Homes Funds to supplement the Local Energy Advice Programme.

·         Agreement on the use of retained resources from growth in the Business Rates pool.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were none.

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

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

This report (and the confidential appendices) sets out a strategic approach to the future management and redevelopment of Merseyway Shopping Centre as part of our overall approach to town centre regeneration. 

It proposes an approach to redevelopment that balances risk and delivers meaningful improvements to ensure that Merseyway remains a key retail destination and centre of employment.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

•              Note the progress to date with regard to the Council’s approach to managing Merseyway Shopping Centre;

•              Approve the strategic approach to the regeneration of Merseyway as outlined in the report;

o   Approve in principle, and subject to further feasibility works, a first package of works which comprises:

o   The creation of a Food Court at Arden Walk;

o   The creation of semi-permanent retail and leisure ‘pods’ at suitable points along Merseyway;

o   Design works aimed at ensuring the former Next unit can be let at the earliest opportunity;

o   The property transaction as outlined in the report;

•              Authorise further feasibility work on the packages of work in line with the delegated authority and approved funding as described in the confidential report;

•              With regard to the structural and public realm works described in the confidential report, and subject to further Cabinet and / or Cabinet Member approvals if required, authorise the submission of a business case to Transport for Greater Manchester for Local Growth Fund resources and sign the appropriate delivery agreement;

•              Approve the proposed change to the delegated authority for approving property transaction set out in the confidential report so that responsibility for Estate Management is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

•              Authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration and Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to take all necessary steps to implement the strategy in this report reporting back as necessary and appropriate to Cabinet.

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) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposed strategic approach to the future management and redevelopment of Merseyway Shopping Centre as part of the Council’s overall approach to town centre regeneration.

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

RESOLVED – That in relation to Merseyway and Town Centre Regeneration:-

·           the progress to date with regard to the Council’s approach to managing Merseyway Shopping Centre be noted;

·           the strategic approach to the regeneration of Merseyway as outlined in the report be approved;

·           approval be given in principle, and subject to further feasibility works, to a first package of works which comprised:

-       The creation of a Food Court at Arden Walk;

-       The creation of semi-permanent retail and leisure ‘pods’ at suitable points along Merseyway;

-       Design works aimed at ensuring the former Next unit can be let at the earliest opportunity;

-       The property transaction as outlined in the report;

·           authorisation be give to further feasibility work on the packages of work in line with the delegated authority and approved funding as described in the confidential report;

·           with regard to the structural and public realm works described in the confidential report, and subject to further Cabinet and / or Cabinet Member approvals if required, authorisation be give to the submission of a business case to Transport for Greater Manchester for Local Growth Fund resources and the signing of the appropriate delivery agreement;

·           approval be given to the proposed change to the delegated authority for approving property transaction set out in the confidential report so that responsibility for Estate Management is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

·           authorisation be given to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to take all necessary steps to implement the strategy in this report reporting back as necessary and appropriate to Cabinet.