Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2020.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 January 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

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

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

One public question was submitted relating to proposed cuts to the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme and what evidence there was that schools in Stockport would be able to provide uniforms to children in need and when Stockport Homes would start to offer furnished accommodation.

The Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods responded that funding associated with the school uniform element of the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme would still be available for maintained schools and reductions in this area were minimal.  Academies were funded directly from central government and they would be responsible for providing uniforms for those students that needed assistance.

It was further stated that Stockport Homes already provided furnished tenancies, but that this offer would be expanded.  It was commented that some Housing Associations already had such an offer, but that discussions were taking place with those that currently didn’t to encourage them to do the same.

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the public interest to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 11 as this item contained information that was ‘not for publication’.

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 and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of following items in the event that the content of the not for publication appendices to the reports needed to be discussed:-:-

No representations had been received in relation to the above items.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution.

The Third Quarter Update Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget since the Mid-Year report, focusing on the third quarter of 2019/20 (October – December 2019).

The report is focused around highlights and exceptions, but includes hyperlinks to the latest suite of Portfolio Reports considered at the most recent cycle of Scrutiny Committees.

The CPRR includes an executive summary based on delivery of the shared outcomes within the Council Plan and performance analysis on the suite of corporate measures, along with the latest forecast position on revenue and capital.

Cabinet is asked to:

·         Review progress against delivering Council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report;

·         Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 3.2;

·         Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2019/20 as set out in section 3.3;

·         Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund forecast positions as set out in sections 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6;

·         Note the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.7 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as at 31 December 2019;

·         Note the position for the 2019/20 Capital Programme as set out in section 4;

·         Note the re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 4.4;

·         Approve the proposals for resourcing and additional resources required for the Capital Programme as set out in 4.6;

·         Approve the 2019/20 forecast prudential indicators as set out in section 4.7; and

·         Identify key areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or outturn issues or risks.

Officer contact: Peter Owston / Jonathan Davies, 0161 474 3274 / 218 1025,

peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk / jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an update on the delivery of the Council’s Priority Outcomes and budget since the mid-year update, with particular focus on the third quarter of 2019/20 (October – December 2019).

The Leader highlighted that funding had been approved for the development of a business case to bring Metrolink to Stockport that would examine the potential costs, routes and its impact.  It was stated that this initiative complemented the ongoing work of the Climate Change Task Group that aimed to reduce Stockport’s impact on the environment.  It also supported that regeneration of Stockport’s Town Centre West which was being led by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Corporate Performance and Resources Report for the third quarter of 2018/19:-

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

·         the virements to the Revenue Budget set out in section 3.2 be approved;

·         the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2019/20 as set out in section 3.3 be noted;

·         the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund forecast positions as set out in sections 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 be noted;

·         the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.7 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as at 31 December 2019 be noted;

·         the position for the 2019/20 Capital Programme as set out in section 4 be noted;

·         the re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 4.4 be noted;

·         the proposals for resourcing and additional resources required for the Capital Programme as set out in 4.6 be approved; and

·         the 2019/20 forecast prudential indicators as set out in section 4.7 be approved.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution.

The Council Plan accompanies the budget and sets a high-level framework for decision making throughout the financial year. It is a public-facing summary document that sits above annual (detailed) Portfolio Agreements.

The 2020/21 Council Plan keeps the existing framework of Stockport’s Borough Plan Shared Outcomes and the five Medium Term Strategy themes as well as aligning with the Greater Manchester Strategy Priorities.

Whilst the five outcomes are retained, the first two of these outcomes have been merged into a single outcome: “People are able to make informed choices and be independent and for those who need support to get it”, retaining the same wording.  This recognises that provision of universal services that help people to help themselves and targeting support where it is most needed are fundamentally linked.  A number of our key delivery programmes and projects are focussed on both early intervention and a targeted approach to support people and communities most in need. 

The plan is accompanied by a high level Equality Impact Assessment.

The Cabinet is asked to approve the 2020/21 Council Plan for submission to the Budget Council Meeting.

Officer Contact: Holly Rae on 0161 474 3014 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the draft Council Plan for 2020/21 for submission to the Budget Council Meeting on 27 February 2020.

The Leader of the Council stated that the draft Plan placed the borough and its communities at the heart of what the Council was doing, with a continued focus on the regeneration of the town centre.  The Leader commented that the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation had been launched in September and that the appointment of Lord Bob Kerslake as its chair was indicative of the ambition for this area of the town.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the Council Plan for 2020/21.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Respurces, Commissioning & Governance.

The purpose of this report is to provide a recommended Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget including the level of rent and service charges, for the Cabinet to recommend to the Council.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves:

·         Average rent to increase by 2.7% (CPI + 1%) in 2020/21;

·         Services charge increases as outlined in Section 3;

·         The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2020/21 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

·         Rents and service charge increases to Temporary Accommodation as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the rent levels and service charges for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and a recommended budget for 2020/21.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the various changes that had been made by the government with regard to rent calculations along with the long-term impact of the four-year reduction in rent charges.  It was stated that this impact had been modelled and that while the HRA remained viable in the short-term, it was likely to face significant financial issues in future years caused by the cessation of rent convergence, an increase in social rents by CPI rather than RPI and changes in the discounts available for acquisitions under the Right to Buy.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve the following in relation to the Housing Revenue Account:-

·         an increase in the average rent by 2.7% (CPI + 1%) in 2020/21;

·         increases in service charges as outlined in Section 3 of the report;

·         the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2020/21 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

·         Increases in rents and service charges to Temporary Accommodation as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health.

This report outlines the commissioning proposals and 2020/21 fee setting for the most significant areas of externally commissioned service provision for adults with care needs: Care Homes in Stockport; Home Support to enable people to live in their homes for longer; Day Care Services and Learning Disability Services.

The report is designed to be considered in the context of budget setting proposals and is intended to clarify the fee changes position for 2019/20 to allow for early implementation at the start of the financial year. This will provide financial certainty to the market and support care providers with their cash flow. It will also prevent internal inefficiency caused by the need to make back payments as well as conforming to good commissioning and procurement practices.

The Cabinet is recommended to endorse and agree the approach set out in this paper and to give approval to the proposed fee uplifts.

Officer Contact: Vincent Fraga on 0161 474 4401 or email: vincent.fraga@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the 2020/21 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Residential / Nursing and Home Care Fee setting approach, including fee uplifts as set out in the report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The purpose of the report is to update the Council’s 2020/21 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions.

Updates to the MTFP have been presented to Cabinet throughout the year reflecting the uncertainty, complexity and volatility of the financial landscape. These updates have considered the announcements and events nationally that have taken place during the year which have impacted on Local Government funding. In addition, work has continued locally as part of the Council’s MTFP Strategy to support the setting of a balanced budget in 2020/21, and to ensure the forecasts and assumptions underpinning the Council’s MTFP remain robust. This report builds on those updates considering any further national and local changes impacting on the 2020/21 Budget and MTFP and presents the Council’s MTFP for the next three financial years prior to it being recommended for approval at the Full Council meeting on 27 February 2020.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Note the details of the 2020/21 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, the Council response to the consultation and the expected date of the announcement of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement;

·         Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2020/21 to 2022/23;

·         Note and approve the indicative budget adjustments since the MTFP Update presented to the Cabinet meeting on 6 January 2020 resulting in available MTFP resources of £3.537m in 2020/21 and the revised MTFP position;

·         Approve the allocation of £2.950m of the available MTFP resources as set out in paragraph 3.9;

·         Note the available one-off resources identified and approve the allocation of up to £1m of these resources to increase the Council’s General Fund Balance subject to the Section 151 Officers assessment of its adequacy to support the 2020/21 Budget;  

·         Consider and decide upon the options to be taken to allocate the balance of £3.634m (£0.587m MTFP resources and £3.047m available one-off resources identified); and

·         Approve the allocation of corporate contingency budgets to Cash Limit budgets as part of the 2020/21 budget setting process.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2020/21 to 2023/24 following the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announced on 20 December 2019.

The Deputy Leader of the Council provided an overview of the report, emphasising:-

·         The impact of austerity continued to be felt in local government, and Stockport Council was working towards achieving a reduction in its budget of £10.3m for 2020/21.

·         The Council had been awarded one-off monies to help offset pressures in Adult Social Care, however, while this was welcome, what was needed was sustained support for ongoing revenue costs.

·         Following the outcome of a public consultation with regard to the proposals for Stockport’s museums, further consideration would now be given to this matter with a decision being deferred until later in the year.

·         There would be further investment in services including new data servers and staffing within Legal Services to offset the cost of agency staff.

·         It was proposed to use £100k of unallocated monies for community orchards in the seven wards that did not yet have one.

·         £1m of funds would be transferred into reserves to maintain the Council’s CIPFA ranking.

·         Additional resources would be allocated to make improvements to the current memorial to the Stockport Air Disaster at Hopes Carr.

·         It was suggested that approval be given to ending the subsidy for meals before the Council Meeting and use that in combination with other grant monies to run a trial in a number of areas to avert holiday hunger for children.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan - Financial Landscapes and Forecast 2020/21 to 2022/23:-

·         the details of the 2020/21 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, the Council response to the consultation and the expected date of the announcement of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement be noted;

·         the financial forecasts for 2020/21 to 2022/23 be noted;

·         the indicative budget adjustments since the MTFP Update presented to the Cabinet meeting on 6 January 2020 resulting in available MTFP resources of £3.537m in 2020/21 and the revised MTFP position be noted and approved;

·         the allocation of £2.950m of the available MTFP resources as set out in paragraph 3.9 be approved;

·         the available one-off resources identified and approve the allocation of up to £1m of these resources to increase the Council’s General Fund Balance subject to the Section 151 Officers assessment of its adequacy to support the 2020/21 Budget be noted; 

·         the allocation of corporate contingency budgets to Cash Limit budgets as part of the 2020/21 budget setting process be approved; and

·         the use of £0.100m of one-off available resources to support the provision of community orchards across the borough.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The purpose of the report is to finalise the Cabinet’s 2020/21 Revenue Budget and Capital Programme prior to presenting for approval to the Council meeting on 27 February 2020. It also outlines the Council’s financial outlook and challenges across the medium term period 2020/21 to 2022/23. The report highlights the overarching priorities and desired outcomes upon which the Cabinet has based its budget proposals, and which form the basis of the updated Council Plan included elsewhere on this agenda.

This report needs to be considered in conjunction with the Corporate Director – Corporate and Support Services Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2020/21 to 2022/23 report (MTFP Update report) presented elsewhere on this agenda. This report clearly sets out the forecasts and assumptions underpinning the Council’s MTFP and the budget challenges facing the Council over the medium term period. It highlights the uncertainty, volatility and complexity of the financial landscape particularly in relation Local Government funding which could have a significant impact on the Council’s financial position in the medium term.

This report also takes account of other reports that have been presented to previous Cabinet meetings and those presented elsewhere on this agenda including:

·         Medium Term Financial Plan – Update Following the 2020/21 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement (presented to the Cabinet meeting on 6 January 2020);

·         MTFP Cabinet Response: Our Medium Term Strategy and an Update to Our Programme (presented to the Cabinet meeting on 6 January 2020);

·         Stockport Billing Area – 2020/21 Council Tax Taxbase and Non Domestic Rates Forecast (presented to the Cabinet meeting on 6 January 2020);

·         The Corporate Performance and Resources Final Update report for 2019/20;

·         The 2020/21 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy; and

·         The 2020/21 Capital Strategy.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting:

·         Agree the Budget for 2020/21 described in the report (subject to the consideration and allocation of the one-off available resources identified) and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

·         Note the risk assessment of the Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix 5;

·         Note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2020/21 to 2022/23 (Appendix 6), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

·         Approve the 2020/21 to 2022/23 Capital Programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix 7;

·         Approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix 8; and

·         Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 2.99% (0.99% General increase and 2% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 9.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email:  jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider its proposed 2020/21 Revenue Budget and Capital Programme investment plans, outlining the Council’s financial outlook and challenges across the medium term period 2020/21 – 2022/23.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2020/21 Revenue Budget and Capital Programme, the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

·         approve the Budget for 2020/21 described in the report (subject to the consideration and allocation of the one-off available resources identified) and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

·         note the risk assessment of the Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix 5;

·         note and comment upon the financial forecasts for 2020/21 to 2022/23 (Appendix 6), and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

·         approve the 2020/21 to 2022/23 Capital Programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix 7;

·         approve the prudential indicators set out in Appendix 8; and

·         pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 2.99% (0.99% General increase and 2% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 9.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

This report proposes the 2020/21 Capital Strategy, which is written in accordance with the CIPFA Prudential Code.

The Strategy provides a framework for the Council’s capital investment plans, ensuring effective planning, option appraisal, risk management and governance processes.  It is a high-level overview of capital investment offering Members sufficient details to understand how stewardship, value for money, prudence, sustainability and affordability will be secured.

The report includes the 2020/21 Capital Programme and sets out the prudential indicators, which demonstrate that the Council’s capital investment plans are affordable, prudent and sustainable.  In addition, future plans in key areas of major capital investment have been included.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves:

·         The Capital Strategy 2020/21; and,

·         Capital Prudential Indicators:

o   Capital expenditure forecasts;

o   Capital Financing Requirement projections; and

o   Ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream.

Officer Contact: Paula McDonald on 0161 474 4708 or email: paula.mcdonald@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the 2020/21 Capital Strategy, developed in accordance with the CIPFA Prudential Code, which provided a framework for the Council’s capital investment plans.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2020/21 Capital Strategy, the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-

·         The Capital Strategy 2020/21; and,

·         Capital Prudential Indicators:

o   Capital expenditure forecasts;

o   Capital Financing Requirement projections; and

o   Ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution and the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

This comprehensive report proposes the 2020/21 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, which are constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

The Council has delegated the role of ensuring effective scrutiny of its Treasury Management Strategy to the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee (CRMG).  As such, the views of CRMG were sought and any opinions or suggestions made have been taken into account when formulating the Council's Treasury Management Strategies for 2020/21.

The first part of the report details the Council’s Capital expenditure plans and Strategy which are a key driver to the long-term borrowing aspect of treasury management activity and strategy; these are reflected in a number of prudential and treasury indicators. 

The report develops to show how capital expenditure funded by prudential borrowing is subsequently charged against the Council’s revenue resources in the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement.

Fundamentals of the Council’s investment policy, approach to creditworthiness and investment strategies for 2020/21 are included in the Annual Investment Strategy statement.

The report provides an economic commentary and interest rate forecast, detailing likely scenarios for the economy and financial markets in 2020/21 based on current information. However given the volatility of sentiment and the UK’s uncertain Brexit position, there is no assurance at this stage as to what may occur in the coming weeks.  Predictions built into the report for interest rates have assumed that an agreement that there is an agreed deal on Brexit, including agreement on the terms of trade between the UK and EU, at some point in time. The result of the general election has removed much uncertainty around this major assumption.  However, it does not remove uncertainty around whether agreement can be reached with the EU on a trade deal within the short time to December 2020, as the prime minister has pledged.  At the time of writing, the Brexit situation in the UK remains ‘fluid’.  Adjustments to central interest rate forecasts as such may be made as the situation unfolds.  

A key highlights report is provided which summarises the main points of the more comprehensive report.

An Equalities Impact Assessment has been carried out on the Treasury Management Strategy; this is included at Appendix Six.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves:

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2020/21;

·         The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         The Treasury Management Strategy 2020/21;

·         The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2020/21-2022/23;

·         The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2020/21.

Officer contact: Lorna Soufian on 0161 474 4026 or email: lorna.soufian@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the proposed 2020/21 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2020/21 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-:-

·         the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2020/21;

·         the Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         the Treasury Management Strategy 2020/21;

·         the Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2020/21-2022/23; and

·         the Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2020/21.

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

The report updates the Cabinet on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2020/21 and requests that Cabinet approves the local funding formula models to be used to determine the individual 2020/21 budgets for early years providers and schools in Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(i) note the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2020/21; and

(ii)  approve the construction of the early year’s budget as defined at section 4.2 to 4.3 of the report and the updated local schools funding formula model as outlined in section 4.4 to 4.6 and summarised in the tables provided at section 7.2 of the report.

Officer Contact: Peter Hughes on 0161 474 3947 or email: peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on key announcements made by the Department for Education on the education funding settlement for 2020/21 and inviting the Cabinet to consider the local funding formula models to be used to determine the individual 2020/21 budgets for early years providers and schools in Stockport.

RESOLVED – (1) That the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2020/21 be noted.

(2) That the construction of the early year’s budget as defined at section 4.2 to 4.3 of the report and the updated local schools funding formula model as outlined in section 4.4 to 4.6 and summarised in the tables provided at section 7.2 of the report be approved.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport.

The report outlines to Cabinet ways in which the Council can continue to maximise the provision of new, affordable housing within the Borough and seeks Cabinet approval to extend the existing rolling loan facility to Stockport Homes to enable development through Viaduct Housing Partnership by £14.9m, from £77m to £91.9m, to continue to enable significant affordable homes to be developed and built up to 2024/25.

The Cabinet are recommended to approve the extension of the existing rolling loan facility to Stockport Homes to enable development through Viaduct Housing Partnership by £14.9m, from £77m to £91.9m, to continue to enable significant affordable homes to be developed and built up to 2024/25,with the option to utilise where appropriate and prudent for market sale and market rent.

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the Council to continue to maximise the provision of new, affordable housing within the Borough and seeking Cabinet approval to extend the existing rolling loan facility to Stockport Homes to enable development through Viaduct Housing Partnership by £14.9m, from £77m to £91.9m, to continue to enable significant affordable homes to be developed and built up to 2024/25.

The Cabinet Member stated that the scheme had so far enabled over 1000 families to live in properties that they might otherwise not have been able to.  It was reported that an average of 210 properties a year were being delivered, it was hoped that the extension of the loan facility would enable the provision of even more new homes over the course of the next five years.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the extension of the existing rolling loan facility to Stockport Homes to enable development through Viaduct Housing Partnership by £14.9m, from £77m to £91.9m, to continue to enable significant affordable homes to be developed and built up to 2024/25, with the option to utilise, where appropriate and prudent, for market sale and market rent.

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

The report provides an update on the progress of the Stockport Interchange scheme, since the last report approved by Cabinet in June 2018, and specifically the progress made on the procurement of the preferred Main Contractor and Development Partner.

(NOTE: This report contains a confidential appendix which has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         approve the selection of a preferred Main Contractor and Development Partner by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as set out in Confidential Appendix Two to this report; 

·         approve the proposal from TfGM to enter into the first stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement with the preferred Main Contractor;

·         approve the proposal from TfGM to enter into the Interim Collaboration Agreement with the preferred Development Partner; and

·         delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place and the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to progress the development of the scheme and any delivery model, subject to further approvals being sought for any expenditure not previously authorised.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of the Stockport Interchange scheme, since the last report approved by Cabinet in June 2018, and specifically the progress made on the procurement of the preferred Main Contractor and Development Partner.

(NOTE: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ in its appendix that had been circulated to cabinet members only).

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the selection of a preferred Main Contractor and Development Partner by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as set out in Confidential Appendix Two to this report.

(2) That approval be given to the proposal from TfGM to enter into the first stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement with the preferred Main Contractor.

(3) That approval be given to the proposal from TfGM to enter into the Interim Collaboration Agreement with the preferred Development Partner.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place and the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to progress the development of the scheme and any delivery model, subject to further approvals being sought for any expenditure not previously authorised.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health.

The report sets out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside (OBC), and the implications for the 10 Greater Manchester (GM) local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan.

(NOTE: This report contains confidential appendices which has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

a)    note progress made to date;

b)   note the ministerial direction under the Environment Act 1995 (Greater Manchester) Air Quality Direction 2019 which requires all ten of the Greater Manchester local authorities to implement a charging Clean Air Zone Class C across the region;

c)    agree the need to continue to proceed towards developing the implementation and contract arrangements of a charging Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester utilising the initial tranche of £36m of funding as required by the ministerial direction / feedback;

d)   delegate authority to The Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to determine the preparatory implementation and contract arrangements that need to be undertaken utilising the initial tranche of £36m of funding to deliver the CAZ and other GM CAP measures, as set out at paragraph 4.11;

e)    note that the report to determine the timings for commencing the consultation will be received in the Spring of 2020;

f)     note the outstanding need to secure a clear response from the Government on clean vehicles funding asks;

g)   note that Highways England have not been directed to act in relation to tackling NO₂ exceedances in the same way as the Greater Manchester local authorities, and that this will leave some publicly accessible areas of GM adjacent to trunk roads managed by Highways England, with NO₂ exceedances that are not being addressed by the Highways England plan;

h)   delegate authority to The Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to agree the final content and submission of the documents listed in Appendix One for formal submission to JAQU and note their Publication status; and

i)     delegate authority to The Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to determine any further technical reports for formal submission to JAQU; and

j)     note that Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health will co-sign a letter from the GM Authorities to the Transport Secretary asking them to bring forward the launch of a statutory consultation to strengthen rules on vehicle idling.

Officer Contacts: Mark Glynn 0161 474 3700, Sue Stevenson 0161 474 3451, mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside (OBC), and the implications for the 10 Greater Manchester (GM) local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan.

(NOTE: The report contained information ‘not for publication’ in its appendix that had been circulated to cabinet members only).

The Leader of the Council stated that it was important to note that the Council was required to respond to a ministerial direction to address nitrogen dioxide exceedances, and that the ten GM authorities were working together to implement a Clean Air Zone across Greater Manchester as part of its recommendations as a means of addressing the very specific issues raised within the strict timescales provided.

It was further noted that within the recommendations, there was also a desire to work with the rest of Greater Manchester to lobby the government to launch a statutory consultation on measures to address issues of vehicle idling which was a significant contributor to nitrogen dioxide exceedances.

RESOLVED – That in relation to ‘Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan – Tackling Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside – Update’, the Cabinet has:-

·         noted progress made to date;

·         noted the ministerial direction under the Environment Act 1995 (Greater Manchester) Air Quality Direction 2019 which requires all ten of the Greater Manchester local authorities to implement a charging Clean Air Zone Class C across the region;

·         agreed the need to continue to proceed towards developing the implementation and contract arrangements of a charging Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester utilising the initial tranche of £36m of funding as required by the ministerial direction / feedback;

·         delegated authority to The Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to determine the preparatory implementation and contract arrangements that need to be undertaken utilising the initial tranche of £36m of funding to deliver the CAZ and other GM CAP measures, as set out at paragraph 4.11;

·         noted that the report to determine the timings for commencing the consultation will be received in the Spring of 2020;

·         noted the outstanding need to secure a clear response from the Government on clean vehicles funding asks;

·         noted that Highways England have not been directed to act in relation to tackling NO2 exceedances in the same way as the Greater Manchester local authorities, and that this will leave some publicly accessible areas of GM adjacent to trunk roads managed by Highways England, with NO2 exceedances that are not being addressed by the Highways England plan;

·         delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to agree the final content and submission of the documents listed in Appendix One for formal submission to JAQU and note their Publication status; and

·         delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to determine any further technical reports for formal submission to JAQU; and

·         noted that Cabinet Member Adult Care and Health will co-sign a letter from the GM Authorities to the Transport Secretary asking them to bring forward the launch of a statutory consultation to strengthen rules on vehicle idling.

There are no Scrutiny Committee recommendations to consider.

There were no recommendations to consider.