Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 13 November 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

Three questions were submitted.

(1)  Clarification was sought on the status of the Stockport Together Provider Alliance and whether the proceedings of the meetings should be subject to similar openness and transparency requirements as the Council and whether further information could be made available.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance stated that the Provider Alliance had been established to oversee the implementation of the Stockport Together Business Cases, and was therefore an operational management meeting to provide assurance to partners on the delivery of the new models of care and the trajectory of the benefits realisation.  The strategy and policy of Stockport Together had been set by the Council’s Cabinet, informed by the Health and Wellbeing Board, in approving the business cases. Both of these bodies were open to the public and subject to scrutiny.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that that like every public authority, the Council was subject to the Freedom of Information Act and required to publish information in keeping with the Information Commissioner’s Model Publication Scheme.  The Council fully complied with its statutory obligations and met the model scheme. The Cabinet Member undertook to provide a link to information on how the Council met its statutory requirements and dealt with Freedom of Information requests.

(2)  Details of the financial benefits, or costs, to the Council from the Stockport Together programme in 2018/19 and 2019/20 were requested. Clarification was sought on how to find current estimates and targets of the Programme in light of changes since the Business Cases were adopted.

In response the Cabinet Member for Health explained that one of the underlying elements of the Stockport Together Business Cases was that investment would allow for further savings in the longer term, but this also required risk sharing arrangements between partners in the shorter term. An initial £16.4m had been invested to increase capacity in additional Community health, adult social care and primary care to address future growth in demand and some benefits had accrued as a result although there were relatively small overall. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that initial plans had been over-ambitious given the local and national context and pressures. The three main partners had each made individual submissions to the Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership to reflect the changing timescales and ambition, but the long term aim remained to reduce future growth in acute activity, although from an initial £17.5m to £5m. This would be achieved through the implementation of the new models of care. The Council had a contingency of £4.6m which may be used to address local challenges and it was likely that £0.5m would be set aside in the coming year. Further details were contained in the Medium Term Financial Plan report on the agenda for this meeting and in previous Corporate and Portfolio performance reports.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that while partners had not achieved the level of implementation they had hoped, the aspiration to reduce avoidable growth and contain expenditure through the new models of care remained the same.

(3)  Clarification was sought on the timescale for the publication of the revised SEMMMS Strategy in light of the announcement of a publication timetable for the second round consultation on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) that the SEMMMS Strategy publication was contingent upon.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration responded by confirming that the GMSF would begin its next consultation period in January 2019 and it was proposed to review the responses from this consultation before the SEMMMS Refresh Strategy was finalised and brought to Cabinet for approval, anticipated to be in Summer 2019.

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, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt appendices to the following item, in the event that the content of these appendices needed to be discussed:-

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 2nd quarter (July – September) 2018/19.

The Cabinet is recommended 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 second quarter of 2018/19 and outlining any lessons learnt as a consequence.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that there had been an overall increase in the number of complaints received compared to the previous quarter. In particular there had been an increase in the number of complaints related to Adult Social Care charging and service quality, the underlying cause of which was due to dissatisfaction with charges. Performance in responding had remained broadly similar despite the increase in the number of complaints.

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

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

Part A: MTFP Financial Landscapes and Forecasts 2019/20 to 2022/23

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 2018 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.

Part B: MTFP Cabinet Response: Our Medium Term Strategy and Budget Choices 2019/20

The update on the Medium Term Financial Plan presented as the first part of this item outlines a continuing challenging horizon ahead for Stockport. In response to this the Cabinet published their medium term strategy which would provide the framework for the Cabinet’s aspirations, and the tough decisions ahead, to ensure our Council is best able to meet the priorities and needs of our communities. This report is the latest update to the Cabinet’s approach.

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The purpose of the report is to update the Council’s 2019/20 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions taking account of local and national changes including the Government’s 2018 Autumn Budget and the 2019/20 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announcements since the completion of the MTFP Summer Review.

Whilst the MTFP Summer Review identified areas where resources could be made available to support the MTFP, the risks and volatility of the assumptions and forecasts meant it was prudent not to adjust the Council’s savings requirement at that stage. As a result the Council’s forecast savings requirement remained unchanged from the position approved by the Council meeting on 22 February 2018.

This report needs to be read in conjunction with other reports elsewhere on this agenda including:

·         Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Annual Review;

·         Stockport Billing Area – 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase and Non Domestic Rates Forecast; and

·         MTFP Cabinet Response: Our Medium Term Strategy and Budget Choices 2019/20.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·           Note the details of the report including the announcements made in the Government’s 2018 Autumn Budget;

·           Note the delay to the announcement of the 2019/20 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the impact changes in the Council’s settlement funding will have on the revised MTFP;

·           Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2019/20 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 2020/221 of £11.831m rising to £33.399m in 2022/23;

·           Note the unallocated one-off resources identified and consider the options for the use of this resource as detailed in the report; and

·           Take the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2019/20 to the Budget Council meeting on 21 February 2019.

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) updating the Council’s 2019/20 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions taking account of local and national changes since the completion of the MTFP Summer Review.

Whilst the MTFP Summer Review identified areas where resources could be made available to support the MTFP, the risks and volatility of the assumptions and forecasts meant it was prudent not to adjust the Council’s savings requirement at that stage. As a result the Council’s forecast savings requirement remained unchanged from the position approved by the Council meeting on 22 February 2018.

The Leader of the Council referred to the announcements made in the Government’s 2018 Autumn Budget and the delayed 2019/20 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announcements, the details of which were still being analysed but would feed into future reports to the Cabinet.

In particular, the Leader highlighted the following:-

·         The recent SEND Inspection Review and the need for further investment.

·         The implications of pay inflation and the National Living Wage on both staff and in the Council’s supply chain.

·         The need for further consideration of Care Homes Fees and the impact on providers.

·         Continued discussions on the GM Business Rates retention pooling arrangements.

·         The Government announcement on additional adult social care cost pressures funding was welcomed, but was insufficient for the demand.

·         Additional non-recurring resources for children’s services.

·         A projected revenue outturn position indicating surpluses in non-cash limit budgets but a deficit in cash-limit budgets, and the need for further consideration about how these could be used to address in-year pressure.

·         The Council’s response to a technical consultation by the Treasury on the Local Government Finance Settlement.

·         Disappointment that there had been no announcements on long term local government financing, nor the publication of the adult social care green paper.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Landscapes and Forecast for 2019/20 – 2022-23:-

·         the report, including the announcements made in the Government’s 2018 Autumn Budget be noted;

·         the delay to the announcement of the 2019/20 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the impact changes in the Council’s settlement funding would have on the revised MTFP be noted;

·         the financial forecasts for 2019/20 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 2020/2021 of £11.831m rising to £33.399m in 2022/23 be noted;

·         the unallocated one-off resources identified and the options for the use of this resource as detailed in the report be noted; and

·         authorisation be given to the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2019/20 to the Budget Council meeting on 21 February 2019.

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

Building on the medium term strategy presented at the October Cabinet meeting, this report provides the latest update on the proposals for 2019/20, the budget choices for consideration and information on further engagement that has occurred since October Cabinet. As well as an update, this report also brings forward an initial series of final proposals for consideration at this meeting.

Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Note the update on the Medium Term Strategy and to return with further detail on the remaining proposals for 2019/20 at the February Cabinet meeting;

·         To approve for implementation the final proposals appended to this report, namely:

-       2. Value for Money Procurement

-       6. Support and Governance – HR and OD and Communications

-       8. Modernising Citizen Journeys

-       9. Balancing the Cost of Services

Officer contact: Holly Rae, 0161 474 3014, holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

A joint report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a report providing the latest update on the Cabinet’s budget proposals and choices for 2019/20, including information on further engagement that has occurred since the Cabinet meeting in October. As well as an update, the report also included an initial series of final proposals for consideration.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance confirmed that in light of feedback received a revision to the specification of the bin collection calendar had been proposed to retain its distribution.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that the proposals set out in these business cases sought to reform services or maximise returns on investment to minimise the impact on front-line services. This was a continuation of the Cabinet’s agreed approach to meeting the Council’s financial challenges.

Cabinet Members welcomed the emphasis on ensuring fairness in the Balancing the Cost of Services proposal to ensure commercial operators were not being subsidised by the general tax payer when using Council services and bringing these in line with other local authorities. Emphasis was given to the need for ongoing monitoring of the impact of the changes to ensure they were not leading to unforeseen negative consequences, and to ensure that the Council was not profiting from the services.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan Cabinet Response, Medium Term Strategy and budget choices for 2019/20:

·         the update on the Medium Term Strategy and the intention to submit further detail on the remaining proposals for 2019/20 to the 5 February 2019 Cabinet meeting be noted;

·         approval be given to the implementation of the following final proposals appended to the report:

-       2. Value for Money Procurement

-       6. Support and Governance – HR and OD and Communications

-       8. Modernising Citizen Journeys

-       9. Balancing the Cost of Services

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

This report deals with the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2018/19, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2019/20 and also presents a forecast for Business Rates income for 2019/20.These items form an integral and important part of the Council’s budget setting process.

It is recommended that the Cabinet:

·      Declare a forecast Collection Fund surplus of £2.029m (£1.767m attributable to the Council) in 2018/19 relating to:

-      An in-year Council Tax surplus of £1.607m (£1.396m attributable to the Council);

-      an in-year Business Rates deficit of £0.088m (£0.087m attributable to the Council; and

-      A Collection Fund carry forward position of £0.510m (£0.458m attributable to the Council).

·         Note the 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 94,302.9 Band D equivalent dwellings rising to 95,100.8 subject to the approval of the CTD proposal;

·         Note the impact that the approval of the proposed changes on the Council’s Council Tax Discount scheme will have on the 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase;

·         Provisionally approve the 2019/20 forecast for Business Rates income of £82.367m subject to the completion of the Council’s 2019/20 NNDR1 form in January;

·         Note the £1.802m forecast benefit from the 2018/19 Pilot and the indexation compensation grant adjustment of £0.720m in 2019/20 against this;

·         Note the transfer of the 100% Retention Pilot 2018/19 outturn benefit to Collection Fund Reserves as part of the financial year end process;

·         Note the available resources to support the Council’s 2019/20 investment decisions and MTFP.

It is recommended that the Cabinet delegates 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 7.

·         The decision to continue in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Business Rates pooling arrangement.

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 2018/19, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2019/20 and a forecast for Business Rates income for 2019/20.

The Leader of the Council emphasised the volatility in Business Rates forecasting. He also highlighted that the Council Tax and Business Rates forecast outturn position had resulted in over a £1m of extra resources beyond the initial forecast at the start of the year. This was predominately due to Council Tax income evidenced by the Council’s excellent Council Tax collection rate.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Stockport Billing Area -2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase and Non Domestic Rates forecast:

·         a forecast Collection Fund surplus of £2.029m (£1.767m attributable to the Council) in 2018/19 be declared relating to:

-       an in-year Council Tax surplus of £1.607m (£1.396m attributable to the Council);

-       an in-year Business Rates deficit of £0.088m (£0.087m attributable to the Council; and

-       a Collection Fund carry forward position of £0.510m (£0.458m attributable to the Council).

·         the 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 94,302.9 Band D equivalent dwellings rising to 95,100.8 subject to the approval of the CTD proposal;

·         the impact that the approval of the proposed changes on the Council’s Council Tax Discount scheme on the 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase be noted;

·         the 2019/20 forecast for Business Rates income of £82.367m be provisionally approved subject to the completion of the Council’s 2019/20 NNDR1 form in January;

·         the £1.802m forecast benefit from the 2018/19 Pilot and the indexation compensation grant adjustment of £0.720m in 2019/20 against this be noted;

·         the transfer of the 100% Retention Pilot 2018/19 outturn benefit to Collection Fund Reserves as part of the financial year end process be noted;

·         the available resources to support the Council’s 2019/20 investment decisions and Medium Term Financial Plan be noted.

(2) That the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance, be authorised to take decisions in relation to:

·         vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 7.

·         continuing in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Business Rates pooling arrangement.

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

The Council is required to annually agree the scheme of local discounts and exemptions which are available against liability for Business Rates and Council Tax. This includes the localised Council Tax Support Scheme. 

This report summarises the impact of Business Rates and Council Tax discounts and exemptions and recommends that the schemes be maintained for 2018/19 with some recommended amendments:

·         The continuation of existing discretionary relief schemes for Business Rates

·         Changes/removal of Council Tax discounts in relation to empty and unfurnished properties

·         An increase in Council Tax premium charges for properties that have been empty for two or more years 

·         Changes in dealing with Council Tax Support claims from Universal Credit recipients

The Cabinet is invited to endorse the following and recommend the revised scheme to the Council Meeting:

·         That the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2019/20, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

·         That Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2019/20.

·         That Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2019/20 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

·         That Stockport’s scheme for Discretionary Business Rate Relief post revaluation be maintained for year three and calculated as 15% of the increase in rates payable.

·         That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not for Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2019/20.

·         That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2019/20.

·         That the continuation of a case by case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2019/20. It is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned.

·         That the local Council Tax Discount scheme is amended to reduce discounts to nil for properties that are empty & unfurnished (Class C) and those that are undergoing or having undergone, major repair work or structural alteration (Class D).

·         That the premium charge added to Council Tax liability where a property has been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years is increased from 50% to 100% from 2019/20. 

·         That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2019/20.

·         That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2019/20 as detailed at Appendix 7.

·         That DWP Universal Credit data sharing documents are treated as a claim for Council Tax Support.

·         That New Council Tax Support claims following a break in entitlement to UC or CTS of up to six months are treated as being made on the date on which entitlement to UC resumes (or falls to a level at which CTS is payable) or six months before the day on which the claim is received, whichever is the later.

·         That the Council Tax discretionary fund is refreshed to £100k for 2019/20, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means. In addition if at 9.1.8 it is agreed to reduce Council Tax discounts in respect of empty properties to nil, to add a further £100k per annum bringing the total to £200k.

·         Note the increase in the Council’s Council Tax Taxbase if the proposed changes in this report are approved. The final 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase will need to be set and presented for approval to the Council meeting on 18 January 2019. 

Officer contact: Alison Blount, 0161 474 5107, alison.blount@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcome of a consultation on proposed changes to the Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Scheme following the annual review. The report summarised the impact of Business Rates and Council Tax discounts and exemptions and recommended that the schemes be maintained for 2019/20 with some amendments, namely:

·          the continuation of existing discretionary relief schemes for Business Rates;

·          changes/removal of Council Tax discounts in relation to empty and unfurnished properties;

·          an increase in Council Tax premium charges for properties that had been empty for two or more years;

·          changes in dealing with Council Tax Support claims from Universal Credit recipients.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the positive steps that were being taken to assist those transitioning to Universal Credit and the ways in which the Council would seek to reduce barriers and delays in processing Council Tax discounts claims. She also emphasised that a portion of the savings that would be achieve by removing empty property discounts would be used to increase the discretionary fund available to support residents.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that consideration had been given to the responses received during the consultation but that many of the issues raised were not within the scope of the discount scheme and but were existing Council Tax exemptions that would remain in place.

RESOLVED – (1) That the revised Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Schemes as set out in the report be endorsed and the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt them.

(2) That the increase in the Council’s Council Tax Taxbase if the proposed changes were approved and the presentation of the final 2019/20 Council Tax Taxbase to the Council meeting on 18 January 2019 be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children & Family Services.

The Youth Justice Plan is a statutory annual plan required under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

The purpose of the plan is to headline achievements against last year’s Youth Justice Plan and to outline the priorities for the coming year. The work of the Youth Offending service (YOS) is monitored through the YOS Partnership Board.

Cabinet is requested to endorse and recommend the Youth Justice Plan for adoption by the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Jacqui Belfield-Smith, 0161-476-2876, jacqui.belfield-smith@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children & Family Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an annual update on the work of the Youth Offending Service and YOS Partnership Board. The revised plan set out headline achievements against last year’s Youth Justice Plan and outlined priorities for the coming year.

The Cabinet Member highlighted continued strong performance in the context of challenging circumstances for partners.

RESOLVED – That the Youth Justice Plan 2018/19 be endorsed and the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the Plan.

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

Applications were submitted to Stockport Council in October 2018 under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 (as amended), seeking to establish: Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall (MMMC) Neighbourhood Forum; and Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall (MMMC) Neighbourhood Area. This report provides information on the process as it relates to Neighbourhood Planning and the determination of these applications, including reporting on any comments received.

The Cabinet is invited to consider the report and recommend the designation of the Neighbourhood Forum and Area to the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Emma Curle, 0161-474-3542, emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider applications under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011 (as amended), seeking to establish a Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area for Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the applications to establish the Mellor, Marple Bridge, Mill Brow and Compstall Neighbourhood Forum and Neighbourhood Area and that the Forum and Area be formally designated.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and for Communities & Housing

This report sets out the opportunity for creating a Mayoral Development Corporation to lead the regeneration of Stockport’s Town Centre West.  It outlines the work undertaken since the September GMCA gave ‘in-principle’ approval to creating an MDC in Stockport and it outlines the next steps required to take this work forward.  In particular, the report asks the Council to formally commit to underwriting any running costs associated with the MDC and formally endorse the principle that Stockport Council would retain planning powers if an MDC were established in Stockport.  The report highlights the legislative requirement to consult on the proposal to create an MDC prior to any final decision and asks the Council to note the GM Mayor’s intention to take a report to the 11th January GMCA setting out his intention to launch a consultation from January to March 2019.

The report sets out a proposed response to the opportunities and challenges through the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) as the delivery vehicle for further the Council’s regeneration objectives for the Town Centre West area.

Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         approve the overall purpose for a Mayoral Development Corporation in Stockport’s Town Centre West;

·         to agree to underwrite running costs of any Mayoral Development Corporation, agree to the guiding principles according to which an MDC would be created;

·         note that GM Mayor’s intention to consult on the MDC proposal, and note that a further report would be brought back to Cabinet before any final decision by the Mayor could be implemented.

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

A joint report of the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and for Communities & Housing was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider an opportunity for creating a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to lead the regeneration of Stockport’s Town Centre West. The report outlines the work undertaken since the September GMCA when ‘in-principle’ approval was given to creating an MDC in Stockport and outlining the next steps required to take this work forward. 

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration and Leader of the Council highlighted the positive opportunity this proposal provided to overcome longstanding challenges in comprehensively redeveloping this area of the Town Centre as part of the Council’s wider Town Centre plans, and how the underwriting of the costs would lead to a significant return on that investment. The Cabinet Member also emphasised the vision underlying this proposal was to facilitate the development of genuine sustainable and healthy communities.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the proposed Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) in Stockport’s Town Centre West:

·           the overall purpose for an MDC in Stockport’s Town Centre West be approved;

·           approval be given to underwriting the running costs of any MDC and to the guiding principles according to which an MDC would be created;

·           the GM Mayor’s intention to consult on the MDC proposal, and the intention to submit a further report to Cabinet before any final decision by the Mayor could be implemented, be noted.

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

The report sets out proposals on polling arrangements for Stockport as a result of a review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following a consultation period.

The Cabinet is invited to consider the proposals made to polling districts and polling places and recommend to the Council Meeting that it adopt them.

Officer contact: Caroline Bell or Gulderen Harwood, 0161 474 3268, caroline.bell@stockport.gov.uk / Gulderen.harwood@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) informing the Cabinet of proposals for future polling arrangements for Stockport as a result of a review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following a consultation period.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the proposals for polling districts and polling places as set out in the report.

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

This report seeks approval to adopt a Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement for 2019/20 and to review that statement annually thereafter. A draft Statement is included at Appendix 1 and sets out what the Council is currently doing to ensure that its business and supply chains are not linked to modern slavery, and additional actions that it will take in relation to this during 2019/20. The report describes the concept of the modern slavery statement and the legislation that underpins it.

The Cabinet is asked to agree that a first annual Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement be adopted for 2019/20.

Officer contact: Alan Lawson, 0161 474 5397, alan.lawson@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 adopt a Modern Slavery Statement for 2019/20. The report set out a draft Statement and actions the Council currently undertook, and would take during 2018/20, to ensure that its business and supply chains were not linked to modern slavery. It was proposed that the Statement would be reviewed annually.

The Leader emphasised that although not a requirement on the Council it was important that the Council did all it could to ensure that its supply chains were free of any such practices and that the Statement was a formalisation of steps the Council was already taking and committed to.

RESOLVED – That the first annual Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement for 2019/20 be adopted.

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 purpose of the statement is to provide transparency with regard to the Council’s approach to setting the pay of its employees (excluding teaching staff working in local authority schools) by confirming the methods by which salaries of all employees are determined; the detail and level of remuneration of its most senior staff. The report also includes the Council Gender Pay Gap figures for 2018.

The Cabinet is recommended to recommend to the Council Meeting that it adopt the Pay Policy Statement and agree to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

Officer contact: Greg McNair, 0161 218 1427, greg.mcnair@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 Council’s Annual Pay Policy Statement that set out the Council’s approach to pay in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011 and provided transparency on setting the pay of its employees and the level of remuneration of senior staff. The report also included the Council Gender Pay Gap figures for 2018.

The Leader stressed the positive situation at the Council in relation to the gender pay gap and how it compared favourably to other organisations.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the Pay Policy Statement and agreement be given to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

To note the decision of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on 30 November 2018.

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) at its meeting on 26 November 2018.

The Leader highlighted the following decisions:-

·         Asylum Dispersal Contract and the recent commitment from the Home Secretary to work with the GMCA to ensure the fairness of the contract.

·         Clean Air Plan and the agreement on the governance arrangements to bring forward further proposals.

·         Agreement to commence a second phase of consultation on the revised Greater Manchester Spatial Framework in January 2019.

·         The consideration of the findings of the Tackling Hateful Extremism and Promoting Social Cohesion Commission.

·         Continued challenges with the performance of Northern Rail.

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were none to consider.

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

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

The report sets outs proposals for a service delivery model for Estate and Asset Management functions following the creation of interim arrangements in June 2018 after Carillion PLC, who had previously been part of the Council’s Strategic Property Partnership, went into liquidation.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the following:-

·         the proposed approach for Estate and Asset Management, supported by niche supplier commissioning as required on a project by project basis, to include additional temporary support for remediation works to deal with back log;

·         the new service to include: 

-       An in-house estates team

-       A dedicated schools estates team

-       A small Design and Technical team

-       An FM and AM client team

·         the procurement of a Facilities and Asset Management supplier be undertaken, with a contract to commence with effect from 1st July 2019 and authority to be delegated in line with the existing scheme of delegation for the Deputy Chief Executive and Cabinet member with portfolio responsibility for the contract area to procure, finalise and agree the terms of the contract and any subsequent call-off contracts.

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 proposals for a service delivery model for Estate and Asset Management functions following the creation of interim arrangements in June 2018 after Carillion PLC, who had previously been part of the Council’s Strategic Property Partnership, went into liquidation.

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

The Cabinet Member thanked the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee for their positive engagement in these proposals and in the work locally to respond to the challenges brought about by the collapse of Carillion. Officers were also thanked for their efforts to respond to these challenges while ensuring the Council complied with its statutory obligations.

The Cabinet Member for Education emphasised the particular challenge for schools in relation to the condition of the estate, due in part to the reduction in funding for educational infrastructure, and the Council having taken the initiative in developing an investment programme for schools. It was important to ensure that the new service was responsive to the needs of local schools and could respond to the increasing challenges they faced.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Estate & Asset Management:

·         the proposed approach for Estate and Asset Management be approved, to be supported by niche supplier commissioning as required on a project by project basis, to include additional temporary support for remediation works to deal with back log;

·         the new service to include:

-    an in-house estates team

-    a dedicated schools estates team

-    a small Design and Technical team

-    a Facilities Management and Asset Management client team

·         in line with the existing scheme of delegation the procurement of a Facilities and Asset Management supplier be undertaken, with a contract to commence with effect from 1 July 2019 and authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Cabinet member with portfolio responsibility for the contract area to procure, finalise and agree the terms of the contract and any subsequent call-off contracts.