Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 23 June 2020 were approved as a correct record.

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

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

Four public questions were submitted all relating to the proposal by Northern Trains to suspend all rail services along the Hyde Loop railway route from Rose Hill (Marple) Station to Manchester Piccadilly from September 2020 until December 2020 and highlighting the impact of the proposed suspension on commuters and pupils at local schools and what action the Council proposed to take in relation to this matter.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) responded that he did not disagree with any of the points that had been made by the questioners and that he considered that the proposed suspension was a disappointing decision by Northern Trains that, in conjunction with reductions in bus service across the borough, would damage the already insufficient transport links for Marple and the wider area.

Councillor Meller confirmed that he was working with William Wragg MP, MPs from adjacent constituencies similarly affected by the proposals and the Greater Manchester Transport Committee to oppose the suspension of services and work to persuade Northern Trains to reverse the decision.

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is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

The following representations have been received:-

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 14, 15 and 16 as these items contained information that were ‘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 report needed to be discussed:-

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The purpose of this report is to inform the Cabinet on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for 2019/20. 

Throughout 2019/20 the Council complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements.  The key actual prudential and treasury indicators detailing the impact of capital expenditure activities during the year, with comparators are found in the main body of the report. 

The Corporate Director, Corporate and Support Services, confirms that borrowing was only undertaken for a capital purpose and the statutory borrowing limit (the authorised limit) was not breached.

This annual review report is a backward-looking review of the treasury management operation for the previous financial year and is the last report in the 2019/20 reporting cycle.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting:

·         Approve the actual 2019/20 prudential and treasury indicators in this report;

·         Note the annual treasury management report for 2019/20; and

·         Note that changes have been made to the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices during 2019/20 to accommodate the requirements of the revised CIPFA Codes published in December 2017.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on the functioning of the Council’s Treasury Management functions for 2019/20. The report confirmed that during the period in question the Council had complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements and that borrowing had only been undertaken for a capital purpose and the statutory borrowing limit had not been breached.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Treasury Management Annual Report 2019/20 the Council Meeting is recommended to:-

·         Approve the actual 2019/20 prudential and treasury indicators in this report;

·         Note the annual treasury management report for 2019/20; and

·         Note that changes have been made to the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices during 2019/20 to accommodate the requirements of the revised CIPFA Codes published in December 2017.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide a summary of the Quarter 1 revenue forecast outturn incorporating the business as usual forecast with an update on the financial impact of COVID19 reported previously in the COVID19 Financial Impact and Response Update report to CRMG on 14 July 2020. The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme.

Cabinet is asked to:

·         Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget;

·         Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 1;

·         Note the HRA, DSG and Collection Fund forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 1;

·         Note the forecast position for the 2020/21 Capital Programme; and

·         Note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 1.

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 & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider an update on the 2020/21 revenue forecast outturn and Capital Programme at the end of Quarter 1.

The Cabinet Member stated that the report also incorporated the business as usual forecast with an update on the financial impact of COVID19.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Quarter 1 2020/21 Budget Monitoring Update, the Cabinet Meeting has:-

·         Approved the virements to the Revenue Budget;

·         Noted the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 1;

·         Noted the HRA, DSG and Collection Fund forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 1;

·         Noted the forecast position for the 2020/21 Capital Programme; and

·         Noted the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 1.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement.

The purpose of this report compares complaints received in 2019/20 with the previous year’s complaints.

The Cabinet is invited 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 Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor Kate Butler) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an overview of complaints during 2019/20 including a comparison with the previous year and any lessons learnt from these complaints.

RESOLVED - That performance in relation to complaints as at the end of 2019/20, including a comparison with the previous year and any lessons learnt from these complaints be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & 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, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         Note the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

·         Note the progress in the development of the Clean Commercial Vehicle and Hardship funds;

·         Note the initial funding award of £41m for clean vehicle funds to award grants or loans to eligible businesses;

·         Note the Government has accepted the need for vehicle replacement funds for Hackney Carriages, and Light Goods Vehicles, but has requested further development of shared evidence on the needs within that complex sector before responding and does not support the sustainable journeys measure.

·         Note that TfGM is seeking confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit is a continuation of Clean Bus Technology Funds to be distributed as soon as possible as per previous arrangements;

·         Note the government will not support electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Clean Air monies but have committed to work with GM on securing funding from OLEV;

·         Agree the position that the GM Local Authorities will move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable;

·         Further agree the position that the GM Local Authorities’ decision to commence a public consultation should be taken once there is a clear timeframe for exiting lockdown and moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 response;

·         Note the implementation of a GM CAZ is delayed to 2022 with a revised implementation date to be confirmed in the consultation commencement report;

·         Note the DfT’s positioning paper “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge”;

·         Note the assessment of the possible impacts of COVID-19 to inform a technical briefing note for decision makers; and

·         Note that the GM local Authorities intend to consult on GM’s proposed MLS, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation and agree the position for consultation, on when taxi/PHV fleets should be Zero Emission Capable.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk or Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet Member stated that it was proposed that the partnership of Greater Manchester local authortieis would move to a statutory public sonsultation on the plan as soon as reasonably practicable, bu tonly once there was a clear timeframe for the exiting of lockdown measures associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Clean Air Local Authority update, the Cabinet Meeting has:-

·         Noted the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

·         Noted the progress in the development of the Clean Commercial Vehicle and Hardship funds;

·         Noted the initial funding award of £41m for clean vehicle funds to award grants or loans to eligible businesses;

·         Noted the Government has accepted the need for vehicle replacement funds for Hackney Carriages, and Light Goods Vehicles, but has requested further development of shared evidence on the needs within that complex sector before responding and does not support the sustainable journeys measure.

·         Noted that TfGM is seeking confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit is a continuation of Clean Bus Technology Funds to be distributed as soon as possible as per previous arrangements;

·         Noted the government will not support electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Clean Air monies but have committed to work with GM on securing funding from OLEV;

·         Agreed the position that the GM Local Authorities will move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable;

·         Further agreed the position that the GM Local Authorities’ decision to commence a public consultation should be taken once there is a clear timeframe for exiting lockdown and moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 response;

·         Noted the implementation of a GM CAZ is delayed to 2022 with a revised implementation date to be confirmed in the consultation commencement report;

·         Noted the DfT’s positioning paper “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge”;

·         Noted the assessment of the possible impacts of COVID-19 to inform a technical briefing note for decision makers; and

·         Noted that the GM local Authorities intend to consult on GM’s proposed MLS, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation and agree the position for consultation, on when taxi/PHV fleets should be Zero Emission Capable.

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

The borough does not currently have enough places for secondary aged students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The government has made the offer for Local Authorities to bid for SEND Free Schools. Stockport, alongside of 66 other authorities, took up this invitation to bid. The first part of the process is the competition stage where an academy or multi-academy trust (MAT) is sought to become the sponsor of the new free school. This report provides Scrutiny Committee with detail of the progress to date and the outcome of the MAT selection process for approval.

The Cabinet is requested to consider and comment on the information provided and approve the DfE to  sponsor an approved Multi- Academy Trust to run a Secondary Special Free School in Stockport.

Officer contact: Steve Nyakatawa on 0161 474 3832 or email: Stephen.Nyakatawa@stockport.gov.uk 

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education (Councillor Colin Foster) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) identifying that borough did not currently have enough places for secondary aged students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and reporting that the government had made the offer for Local Authorities to bid for SEND Free Schools.  The report stated that Stockport, alongside 66 other authorities, took up this invitation to bid and outlined the first ‘competition stage’ of the process where an academy or multi-academy trust is sought to become the sponsor of the new free school.

The Cabinet Member clarified that the proposed school would comprise 133 places and that it would be developed on the former Orisshmere School site.  It was further reported that on 20 July 2020 the government had announced that Stockport was amongst the 37 local authorities that had been successful in their bid for the development of new special school facilities and that the Prosper Learning Trust had been selected as sponsor for the proposed free school.

RESOLVED – That following consideration of the current insufficiency of places for secondary aged students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Stockport, the Cabinet has:-

(1) Noted the offer made by the government for local authorities to bid for SEND Free School and that the Council had taken up the invitation to bid.

(2) Given approval to the proposal that the Department for Eduction sponsor an approved Multi-Academy Trust to run a Secondary Special Free School in Stockport.

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

The purpose of the report is to ensure that the way in which the Council manages its structures aligns with Section C of Well-managed Highways Infrastructure: A Code of Practice (WMHI). The document provides guidance on the way in which highway structures are inspected, assessed and maintained and how the relevant data is stored and utilised.

If approved, this report will supplement several other previously adopted maintenance policies which were approved in 2018.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the adoption of the Highway Structures Maintenance Policy Statement.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161-474-4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) that aimed to provide guidance on the way in which highway structures were inspected, assessed and maintained and how the relevant data was stored and utilised and to ensure that the way in which the Council managed its structures aligned with Section C of ‘Well-managed Highways Infrastructure: A Code of  Practice’.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the adoption of the Highway Structures Maintenance Policy Statement.

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

The Cabinet is invited to note the decisions of the GMCA meeting held on 26 June 2020.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email: damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA at its meeting on 26 June 2020.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the following decisions:-

·         Establishing Women & Girls, Faith, And Race Equality Panels.

·         Developing A One Year Greater Manchester Living With Covid Plan

·         Monthly Economic Dashboard

·         European Social Fund 2014-20 Programme Update

·         Mayors Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund

·         Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation Delivery Plan 2020-2025

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 no recommendations to consider.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and Economy & Regeneration.

The report provides an update on the Greater Manchester Unlocking Clean Energy bid for European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) monies to support local clean energy generation as part of the Council’s emerging Climate Action Now draft plan, and provides an outline of project proposals in Stockport.

(NOTE: This item included a ‘not for publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the report.

(2) Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place and the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration, to:

a) take all necessary steps to implement the strategy in this report, reporting back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

b) enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, with Energy Systems Catapult and partner authorities within the GM Unlocking Clean Energy Consortium, in order to deliver Stockport’s proposed projects; and

c) receive and administer European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) monies in respect of Stockport’s Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) projects.

(3) Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place and the Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance, to source the necessary capital match funding to the ESIF.

Officer Contact: Michael Fisher on 0161 474 3742 or email: michael.fisher@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Greater Manchester Unlocking Clean Energy bid for European Structural Investment Fund monies to support local clean energy generation as part of the Council’s emerging Climate Action Now draft plan, and providing an outline of project proposals in Stockport.

(NOTE: This item included a ‘not for publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Greater Manchester Unlocking Clean Energy bid for European Structural Investment Fund monies to support local clean energy generation, the Cabinet Meeting has:-

(1) Noted the report.

(2) Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration, to:-

(a) take all necessary steps to implement the strategy in this report, reporting back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

(b) enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, with Energy Systems Catapult and partner authorities within the GM Unlocking Clean Energy Consortium, in order to deliver Stockport’s proposed projects; and

(c) receive and administer European Structural Investment Fund monies in respect of Stockport’s Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester projects.

(3) Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services  in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance, to source the necessary capital match funding to the ESIF.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Adult Social Care & Health, Economy & Regeneration and Sustainable Stockport.

This report seeks endorsement for the overall approach as well as commitment to taking the scheme to a detailed design stage which will also include planning submission and procurement of a main contractor.

(NOTE: This item included a ‘not for publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Endorse the principles of this key regeneration scheme for Town Centre West and the wider Borough and support the proposal to progress the scheme to RIBA Stage 4 design.

(2) Note that a Planning Application will be submitted and an application made for Listed Building Consent based on the outcomes of the detailed design work

(3) Approve revenue costs of £370,000 to undertake the next stage of design for the Academy of Living Well and associated Highway improvement designs.

(4) That it be noted that further approval will be sought for the Capital Funding to deliver the Academy of Living Well once Planning Permission has been secured and the build cost has been finalised.

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

The Cabinet Members for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells), Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) and Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to transform the site of the former St Thomas’ Hospital, Stockport into a new intergenerational community with a view to reinvent the way the Council delivered intermediate care.  The report detailed the overall approach as well as a commitment to take the scheme to a detailed design stage which would also include planning submission and procurement of a main contractor.

(NOTE: This item included a ‘not for publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED – The Cabinet Meeting has:-

(1) Endorsed the principles of this key regeneration scheme for Town Centre West and the wider Borough and support the proposal to progress the scheme to RIBA Stage 4 design.

(2) Noted that a Planning Application will be submitted and an application made for Listed Building Consent based on the outcomes of the detailed design work

(3) Approved revenue costs of £370,000 to undertake the next stage of design for the Academy of Living Well and associated Highway improvement designs.

(4) Noted that further approval will be sought for the Capital Funding to deliver the Academy of Living Well once Planning Permission has been secured and the build cost has been finalised.

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

This report seeks Cabinet approval for additional funding to be granted to Life Leisure for Quarter 2 2020/21 to enable Council owned leisure centres to reopen to the public in August 2020.

(NOTE: This item is ‘not for publication’ and has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

Officer Contact: Peter Ashworth on Tel: 0161 474 2392 or email: peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking Cabinet approval for additional funding to be granted to Life Leisure for Quarter 2 2020/21 to enable Council owned leisure centres to reopen to the public in August 2020.

(NOTE: The report associated with this item was ‘not for publication’ and was therefore circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the provision of additional funding to enable the reopening of leisure centres on the basis and terms identified in the ‘not for publication’ report; and the associated delegations to the Corporate Directors for Place Management and Regeneration and Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Sustainable Stockport and Resources, Commissioning & Governance, as also detailed in the report.