Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 17 July 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests was declared:-

Personal Interests

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

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 its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Five questions were submitted.

(i)            The first question referred to the 2013 Environmental Statement for A6MARR that identified 24 locations where air pollution exceed the limits, and asked how many of these locations had recently been monitored for air quality, what plans there were to monitoring the impact of the A6MARR on these locations in light of the law preventing actions that would cause exceedances or to worsen air quality in an Air Quality Management Area?

In response, the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration stated that ongoing air quality monitoring was undertaken at Finney Lane, Kenilworth Road, Gorton Road, Bramhall Lane and along the A34 and A6. As set out in the A6MARR Monitoring and Evaluation Baseline Report, monitoring to assess the air quality impact of the A6MARR scheme would be undertaken one year after the road had opened.  An offer was made to provide more technical detail if that was wanted.

(ii)          The second question referred to previous commitments given by the Leader of the Council to only vote in favour of any finalised Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) if it was right for Stockport and if the majority of councillors in the no-overall control Council voted in favour. It further referred to the recent decision of the GMCA to change the GMSF from a Joint Development Plan that required consent of all 10 Greater Manchester councils to a Spatial Development Strategy that only required the consent of the Council Leaders and Greater Manchester Mayor. It was asked whether the Leader would reconfirm his commitment and that of his Cabinet that he would only vote in favour of the GMSF Plan if the majority of councillors agreed following a debate and vote at the Council Meeting?

In response, the Leader of the Council reconfirmed that commitment of the Labour Group for as long as they led the Council.

(iii)         The third question asked for an explanation, given the controversial nature of GMSF and the disquiet of residents at the first iteration, of why the GMCA took the decision to change the nature of the GMSF from a Joint Development Plan to a Spatial Development Strategy, that would remove the vote of all ten member councils which many would consider to be an attempt to silence local elected members and to have been an undemocratic decision?

The Leader of the Council explained that when the GMSF process was initiated the only mechanism to achieve this was through a Joint Development Plan, and that the process would be led through AGMA as a joint committee of the 10 local authorities, with the final decision being taken by the 10 at the point of the Plan being ready for submission to the Secretary of State. However, since 2014 it was anticipated that there would be a change in regulations that would allow for such a plan to be a GMCA process, and this change came about in July of this year and would now allow the Combined Authority to allocate sites. The Leader stated that although it was always envisaged that the status of the Plan may change, he had wanted to give certainty to councillors that they would have meaningful input into the decision and hence his commitment for a debate and vote at the Council Meeting.

Specifically in relation to the rationale for the decision in principle to alter the status of the Plan, the Leader of the Council explained that the GMCA was under a duty to provide a spatial development strategy as required by the Devolution Agreement. This new strategy would sit between national policy and Local Plans, and give a context to that local work. This would provide a clearer relationship between the GMSF and Stockport’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

The First Update Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget during the first quarter of 2018/19.

Updates are included on delivery of policy priorities and the growth and reform programme. The report also includes forecast 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 First Update Report reflects on achievements, key issues, events and changes since the Annual Report.

Both reports are due to be considered by the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee at its next meeting on 18 September 2018.

The Cabinet is asked to:

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

(b)   Note the key policy drivers identified and progress in managing corporate risks set out in section 2.

(c)   Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 3.2.3;

(d)   Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2018/19 as set out in sections 3.3 and 3.6;

(e)   Note the position on the 2018/19 budget savings programme set out in section 3.4;

(f)     Note the Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account forecast positions, as set out in Sections 3.7 and 3.8;

(g)   Approve the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.9 and note the resulting reserves and balances position;

(h)   Note the forecast position for the 2018/19 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1;

(i)     Note the changes to the capital programme and re-phasing of schemes during the quarter as set out in 4.1.5;

(j)     Approve the proposals for resourcing and additional resources required for the Capital Programme as set out in 4.3:

(k)   Approve the 2018/19 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.4.

(l)     Note the Treasury Management review and activity during the first quarter as set out in section 5; and

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

Officer Contacts: Peter Owston on 0161 474 3274 or email: peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk, or Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email: 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) providing the Cabinet with an overview of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget during the first quarter of 2018/19.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the challenging financial context and the need to address the £47m funding gap over the next three years, and the commitment of the Cabinet to protecting front line services and address the increasing demand on services.

The Leader also highlighted the continued investment in Stockport, including that to help reduce demand and protect the most vulnerable, and drew particular attention to:-

·         The launch of the Stockport Local Fund

·         Ongoing work to implement the Stockport Together new models of care and responding to the CQC Local Review

·         Securing of funding for Stockport Interchange and other key regeneration projects

·         Development of a Clean Air Business Case for Greater Manchester

·         Reassessment of the demographic assumptions underpinning the GMSF

·         The ‘Start Well’ project and the ‘Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities’ initiative had begun as part of Stockport Family that would focus on prevention

·         The Red Bag Scheme to assist with discharge of those admitted to hospital from a care homes

·         The ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for the Broadfields Children’s Home following its first inspection. Congratulations were extended to staff for their success.

·         122 new homes had been completed, with work beginning on the former Tatton Cinema site

·         Stockport Homes were retrofitting sprinklers to all its tower blocks

·         Additional resources had been identified for pothole repairs.

·         The consultation on the revised SEMMM Strategy had concluded and the Strategy was likely to have increased emphasis on non-car transport.

·         GMCA had approved investment in the former Royal Mail sorting office in the Town Centre.

·         The Light Cinema and the Redrock development had massively exceeded expectations, with a new outlet opening recently.

The Leader referred to the Government announcement of £20b of additional funding for the NHS but expressed disappointment that this did not include any additional Public Health resources, and the concern regarding likely delay in further proposals for the long term funding of adult social care.

In relation to Northern Rail and the problems experienced with the Summer timetable, the Leader reported that he had lobbied extensively, including writing a letter in conjunction with Group Leaders, and had met with senior officials at Northern Rail to make clear the need to deliver significant improvements on the current timetable. The Leader emphasised the need for the Department of Transport to ensure that local services did not bear the brunt of delays in Network Rail infrastructure work and greater coordination was needed between Network Rail and operators. The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration added that Northern Rail had committed to regular meetings with the Council to ensure they were kept abreast of developments affecting Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration also reported that an announcement would be made in the near future about the Chair of the Work and Skills Partnership who would lead the work to implement the aims of the Commission convened earlier in the year.

The Cabinet Member further reported that footfall in the Town Centre was increasing, with 100% occupancy in the covered market and the market management operators now in place who would now be able to deliver on improvements.

RESOLVED – That in relation of the Corporate Performance and Resources First Update Reports 2018/19:-

·         progress against delivering Council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts be noted;

·         the key policy drivers identified and progress in managing corporate risks set out in section 2 of the report be noted;

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 3.2.3 of the report be noted;

·         the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2018/19 as set out in sections 3.3 and 3.6 of the report be noted;

·         the position on the 2018/19  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council

The report provides an update on the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2017/18 outturn position and the recommended annual review of the Reserves Policy.

The updated Reserves Policy set out the identified priority areas where reserves are considered to be needed in order to align them to the Council’s corporate and strategic objectives over the period of the Medium Term Financial Plan. It also recommends the level at which the reserves need to be held including the replenishment of some reserves using the reported 2017/18 outturn surplus.

The Council’s proposed 2018/19 Reserves Policy is included at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         note the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

·         approve the allocation of the Council’s 2017/18 outturn surplus;

·         approve the reclassification of the earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts to be held; and

·         approve the proposed 2018/19 Reserves Policy.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email: 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 Reserves Policy following reporting of the Council’s 2017/18 outturn position and the completion of the Annual Review of the Policy.

The Leader of the Council reported that the reserves position was broadly in line with the previous year, although the continued high demand for services was putting pressure on reserves. The non-cash limit underspend from 2017/18 would be put into reserves to help the Council deliver on its strategic objectives and to respond to demographic and demand pressures.

The Leader stated that in response to suggestions from the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee future reports would include benchmarking data against comparable local authorities and others in Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2018/19 Reserves Policy:-

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

•     the allocation of the Council’s 2017/18 outturn surplus be approved;

•     the reclassification of the earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts to be held be approved; and

•     the proposed 2018/19 Reserves Policy be approved.

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

The report sets out the Medium Term Financial Plan update which is in two parts:-

·         Medium Term Financial Plan Summer Review

·         Medium Term Financial Plan Cabinet Response: Updating our Medium Term Strategy and Framing our Budget Choices for 2019/20

Officer Contacts: Holly Rae/Jonathan Davies on 0161 474 3014/0161 218 1025 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk/jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer

The report outlines the outcomes of the Summer Review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The Summer Review has requested the assumptions and forecasts which underpin the MTFP to ensure they remain appropriate and robust given local and national developments since the Council’s MTFP was approved in February 2018.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         note the outcomes of the MTFP Summer Review;

·         note that the Council’s savings requirement has not been revised using the available resources identified following the completion of the MTFP Summer Review;

·         note that the available resources identified will be held to support the Council’s 2019/20 budget setting process and MTFP once further information is made available about the impact of the risks identified; and

·         note that updates to the MTFP will be reported to Cabinet as part of the 2019/20 budget setting process.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with the outcome of the Summer Review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2019/20 to 2022/23.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the 2017/18 non-cash limit budget underspend and the continued demand pressures on services.  He further emphasised that there were a number of risks facing the Council’s financial position including some that were currently unquantifiable due to lack of information.

The Leader stated that there remained uncertainty about the Local Government Finance Settlement beyond 2019/20 as the announcement had been put back until after the 2019 Government Spending Review. The Council would therefore have to rely on a number of assumptions in its medium term planning

Specifically in relation to Council Tax, the Leader stated that it was expected that the Government would set the threshold for a referendum on any proposed rise at 2.99%, and with the 1% social care precept additional allowance the Council did not utilise for 2018/19, would allow for a rise of 3.99% in Stockport. He set out his view that the Government appears to continue to see Council Tax increases as its response to increasing funding pressures, and that this is not sustainable. The Leader stated that the Cabinet would work hard to keep any increases to a minimum, with the aim of not exceeding 2.99% as he believed that there needed to be respite from continued large increases in regressive taxation.

The Government’s consultation on Fair Funding for Local Authorities was referenced and the Leader welcomed the opportunity to rethink how local government was funded, and encouraged anyone interested to respond to the consultation.

Overall, it was anticipated that the savings requirement for 2019/20 would be £15,926m.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2019/20 – 2022/23 Summer Review:-

·         the outcomes of the Review be noted;

·         the Council’s savings requirement not having been revised using the available resources identified following the completion of the MTFP Summer Review be noted;

·         that the available resources identified being held to support the Council’s 2019/20 budget setting process and MTFP once further information is made available about the impact of the risks identified be noted; and

·         that updates to the MTFP being reported to Cabinet as part of the 2019/20 budget setting process be noted.

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

The report reaffirms the Cabinet’s commitment to addressing significant financial challenges presented by reductions in spending. This will involve difficult decisions about the Council’s services both next year and future years. The report sets out a medium term strategy which will help frame these budget decisions and build on work we have progressed to date, as well as further steps which will need to be considered in the future.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         discuss the strategic approach outlined in the report and ensure it is used to inform detailed plans both for 2019/20 and for future years; and

·         endorse a wide-ranging conversation with people and businesses across Stockport to understand how best to put this strategy into effect.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Cabinet’s response to the financial challenges facing the Council in light of the outcomes of the Summer Review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan.

The Leader of the Council explained that because of the significant financial challenge facing the Council it was proposed to set a two year budget to allow for a smoother implementation of any budget proposals and so protect front line services and vulnerable residents. The Leader emphasised the Cabinet’s willingness to work with the public in addressing the budgetary challenge but stressed that due to the scale of the savings required by the Council its services and how they were delivered would need to change fundamentally over the next five years.

The Leader set out some of the principals underpinning the proposed budget setting process, and emphasised the linkages with the Labour Group’s election Manifesto. These points included:-

·         Ensuring the Council made the most of every pound it controlled with a focus on commissioning reform

·         Working to create a flexible workforce that could respond to the changing delivery of Council services

·         Collaborating with partners to share services and coordinate activity to minimise the impact of reductions

·         Standardising decision-making process

·         Developing a Place-Based Commissioning Strategy to ensure the best value for every contract

·         Reviewing Council services to explore opportunities for collaboration or co-operation and reviewing outcome and quality standards.

·         Maximising income and opportunities from the Council estate and its assets

The Leader referred to the Government’s ongoing reviews of Local Government funding and stated that he was approaching these in good faith, but he emphasised the need for a speedier response from the Government to address the significant challenges facing local government. 

The Leader emphasised the hard choices facing the Council but also the determination of the Cabinet to minimise the impact on frontline services, and the need to start a conversation within the Council, with partners and with the public about how best to meet the future financial challenges.

Cabinet Members echoed the views expressed by the Leader, including emphasising the importance of developing a commissioning strategy and investment in prevention that could potentially have a significant impact on demand for services and allow for the experience of services in some areas to improve. Cabinet Members also welcomed the 2-year year budget approach and the emphasis on shared services and the internal integration of Council services. Given the unprecedented scale of the challenges facing the Council, Cabinet Member emphasised the need to engage in meaningful and honest conversation and dialogue with councillors and the public.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Cabinet Response: Updating our Medium

Term Strategy and Framing our Budget Choices for 2019/20:-

·         the strategic approach outlined in the report be endorsed and be used to inform detailed plans both for 2019/20 and for future years;

·         a meaningful conversation be undertaken with people and businesses across Stockport to understand how best to put this strategy into effect.

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 1st Quarter (April-June) 2018/19.

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 on, 0161 474 3182 or email: anwar.majothi@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an overview of complaints received in the first quarter of 2018/19 and highlighting any lessons learnt as a consequence.

The Leader highlighted the section of the report relating to lessons learnt (section 8) and the cases set out there. He emphasised that overall the number of complaints was very small compared to the overall interactions with services.

RESOLVED - That performance in relation to complaints received in the first quarter of 2018/19 be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Communities and Housing

The report outlines the work associated with creating a new Charitable subsidiary by Stockport Homes; seeks Cabinet approval for the creation of a new charitable subsidiary within the Stockport homes Group structure, having regard to the governance arrangements set out within the report; and seeks Cabinet approval to authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, to work with Stockport Homes Limited to establish a new charitable subsidiary that is capable of attracting additional resources and benefits for tenants and residents.

The Cabinet is recommended:-

·         that, having regard to the governance arrangement described in the report, approve the creation of a new charitable subsidiary within the Stockport Homes Group structure; and

·         to authorise the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, to work with Stockport Homes Limited to establish a new charitable subsidiary that is capable of attracting additional resources and benefits for tenants and residents.

Officer Contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal from Stockport Homes to establish a charitable subsidiary within the Stockport Homes Group structure to allow for it to bid for resources that might not otherwise be open to it as a public authority, thereby enabling additional resources to be attracted to Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing emphasised that the requirement to produce a detailed business plan for the subsidiary would provide sufficient safeguards to protect the wider public interest.

A Cabinet Member expressed concerns that they had that this new entity would monopolise funding opportunities for the third and voluntary sector to the detriment of other organisations, but acknowledged the assurances provided in the report and the Cabinet Member that the governance arrangements would preclude this. The Cabinet Member also stated that a review would be undertaken and submitted to the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee after 12 months.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the establishment of a charitable subsidiary by Stockport Homes:-

•      having regard to the governance arrangement set out in the report, approval be given to the creation of a new charitable subsidiary within the Stockport Homes Group structure and,

•      the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, be authorised to work with Stockport Homes Limited to establish a new charitable subsidiary that is capable of attracting additional resources and benefits for tenants and residents.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing

The report provides an update on the proposal for a Public Space Protection Order (PPSO) to promote responsible dog ownership in the Borough. A public consultation has taken place on the proposals and the report includes the details of the proposed PPSO along with the background and results of the consultation.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the introduction of the Public Space Protection Order to promote responsible dog ownership in the Borough.

Officer Contact: Ian O’Donnell on 0161 474 4175 or email: ian.odonnell@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to encourage responsible dog ownership and protect the public in open spaces. The report set out the results of a public consultation on the proposal.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the support for the proposals demonstrated by the public consultation, in particular from responsible dog owners and from the Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club.

Cabinet Members welcomed the proposals and thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for the work done to prepare this scheme.

RESOLVED – That the proposed Public Space Protection Order to encourage responsible dog ownership, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing

The report sets out a proposal to introduce a policy to guide the Council’s use of fixed and mobile enforcement cameras for the enforcement of moving traffic regulations. The Cabinet, when agreeing to the Policy, would also be asked to delegate authority to commence the civil enforcement of Bus Lane contraventions throughout Stockport; formalise existing Parking Enforcement procedures within an approved policy ensuring a consistent and transparent approach; and agree to commence camera enforcement of existing parking restriction outside schools (zigzags) and at bus stops.

The Cabinet is invited to:-

·         request Officers commence actively enforcing bus lane and eligible parking contraventions throughout Stockport using approved fixed and mobile cameras.

·         approve the Bus Lane Enforcement Policy at Appendix 1 to the report.

·         approve the Parking Enforcement Policy at Appendix 2 to the report.

·         request Officers provide a report back to the Communities and Housing Scrutiny Committee after the initial six months’ period of active bus lane enforcement.

Officer Contact: Mark Glynn on 0161 474 3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal for a policy to guide the Council’s use of fixed and mobile cameras for the enforcement of traffic regulation orders, that would also formalise existing enforcement procedures, and to authorise camera enforcement of existing parking restrictions outside schools and bus stops.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the purpose of the proposals was to encourage better behaviour and parking habits from motorists, particularly around schools.

The Cabinet Member for Education welcomed the proposals and emphasised the commitment from the Cabinet to protecting young people.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Parking and Mobile Enforcement:-

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be authorised to commence actively enforcing bus lane and eligible parking contraventions throughout Stockport using approved fixed and mobile cameras;

·         the Bus Lane Enforcement Policy detailed at Appendix 1 of the report be approved;

·         the Parking Enforcement Policy detailed at Appendix 2 of the report be approved;

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to report back to the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee after the initial 6 month period of active bus lane enforcement.

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

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has sought consent from the 10 Greater Manchester Local Authorities on proposed changes to the composition and Terms of Reference of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, in light of devolution of transportation powers to the Mayor.

The Council Meeting has been invited to agree the following changes:

•           Agree the size of TfGMC as 23 members

•           Each Local Authority to appoint 1 member to TfGMC (Transport and Highways Portfolio Lead) , save for Manchester City Council to appoint 2 members (including Transport and Highways Portfolio Lead)

•           To nominate a further member, to be appointed by GMCA to ensure political balance

•           Note that the remaining 2 appointments are 1 member to be appointed by GMCA and 1 member appointed by the Mayor

•           Agree to amend the Operating Agreement to reflect these changes

•           Note that the Terms of Reference will be reviewed to ensure that they reflect the Mayor’s current transport powers with a further review in 2019/20 to reflect proposed powers.

The Cabinet will be updated at the meeting.

Officer Contact: Patrick Arran on 0161 474 3219 or email: patrick.arran@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 proposals to change the membership and Operating Agreement of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, and seeking the authorisation of the Cabinet and Council Meeting to consent to those changes to the Joint Committee.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the detailed discussion that had taken place at the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on these proposals and the concerns that had been raised in relation to the continuation of the sub-committee structures of TfGMC and the process for nominating and appointing members, in particular those members from opposition groups. The Leader of the Council had undertaken to seek assurances from GMCA in relation to these concerns, and further feedback had been provided and circulated to the Cabinet in an Addendum to the report.

RESOLVED – That, in light of the assurances received from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in relation to the nomination/appointment process for opposition members being in line with the approach taken to GMCA Scrutiny Committees and on the continuation of the sub-committee arrangements for the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC), approval be given to the following proposed changes to the TfGMC in so far as they relate to the discharge of executive functions:-

•              the size of TfGMC being 23 members to be appointed as follows-

-       each Local Authority to appoint 1 member (Transport and Highways Portfolio Lead), save for Manchester City Council to appoint 2 members (including Transport and Highways Portfolio Lead)

-       to nominate a further member, to be appointed by GMCA to ensure political balance

•              that the remaining 2 appointments will be 1 member to be appointed by GMCA and 1 member appointed by the Mayor

•              to amend the Operating Agreement to reflect these changes

•              that the Terms of Reference be reviewed to ensure that they reflect the Mayor’s current transport powers with a further review in 2019/20 to reflect proposed powers.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were none.