Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 July 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

Personal and Prejudicial 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 3 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions).

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Cabinet on any matters within its powers and duties, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

Five public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to whether the council would commit to support for tackling holiday hunger and continue to press the Secretary of State to take holiday hunger seriously with particular regard to those children who were having to self-isolate and would therefore not be in receipt of free school meals.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education (Councillor Colin Foster) responded that this was a manifestation of the increasing problem of poverty and that access to free school meals was a major element of this.  Councillor Foster stated that since 1 March 2020 there has been an increase of 13 percent in the number of children in receipt of free school meals.

Councillor Foster stated that the council, schools and its partners had worked to provide all eligible children with food vouchers over the summer following the change in government policy resulting from Marcus Rashford’s campaign.  Following a review of the summer initiative, plans were now being draw up for future school holidays starting with the forthcoming October half-term as the first step in implementing the principle of tacking holiday hunger over all school holidays in Stockport.

Finally, Councillor Foster undertook to write to the government to urge them to publish comprehensive guidance on free school meals without delay for those pupils who have to isolate.

·         Relating to the Parking Strategy Update report that had recently been submitted to the council’s area committees and whether the council would apologise for omitting reference to the fact that fundamentals of the proposed scheme were the same as the Stepping Hill CPZ proposal that had been rejected by 95% of respondents.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that extensive efforts had been made to devise a scheme for the Stepping Hill area, however the matter that was before the Cabinet at this meeting was intended to balance the needs of residents, business and visitors in those areas of Stockport that had a parking problem of one kind or another.  Councillor Bailey stated that it was not the case that there was a single solution that could be applied in every scenario, and as such the scheme was designed to be flexible.  Councillor Bailey expressed the view that officers should be congratulated for their sincere and genuine attempt to try and deal with this problem and that there was nothing to apologise for.

·         Relating to the apparent conflict between council’s stated commitment in the Climate Action Now Strategy and the potential removal of green belt protection from the eastern side of the Tame Valley to allow for the expansion of the Brebdury Industrial Estate.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that Stockport had been at the forefront of providing protection for the environment and that the Climate Action Now Strategy document had 16 pages of aims and objectives and was designed to be taken into account in everything that the Council did insofar as future development was concerned.  However, the Council also had a duty to ensure that the borough could provide housing, jobs and security for its residents.  Councillor Bailey stated that when the next iteration of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework was published, there would be every opportunity for residents to make their views on the proposals known.

·         Relating to the provision of a temporary residual holding cost for Central Library of £30,000 per annum and whether this mean that there was no intention to retain the building for public use and whether the £350,000 allocated for the fit-out of the former Argos unit in Merseyway for a temporary facility would be better used on making Central Library covid-secure and other improvements.

The Deputy Leader of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

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 18, 19 and 120as 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:-

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

The Youth Justice Plan is a statutory annual plan that is required under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It sets out the Youth Offending Partnership’s responsibilities in producing this plan. It states that it is the duty of each local authority, after consultation with the partner agencies, to formulate and implement an annual youth justice plan. Setting out:

·         How youth justice services in their area are to be provided and funded

·         How the Youth Justice Service (YOS) will be composed and funded, how it will operate, and what functions it will carry out.

The Youth Justice Plan must be submitted to the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for England and Wales and published in accordance with the directions of the Secretary of State.

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

Officer contact: Jacqui Belfield-Smith on 07800 617 569 or email: jacqui.belfield-smith@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education (Councillor Colin Foster) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the annual statutory plan that the council is required to adopt under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 setting out how youth justice services in Stockport are to be provided and funded; and how the Youth Justice Service will be composed and funded, how it will operate, and what functions it will carry out.

RESOLVED – That the Youth Justice Plan 2020/21 be endorsed and the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the Plan.

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

The report provides an update on proposals to develop an Innovation Centre in Stockport town centre.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the report.

(2) That, if the ERDF funding application is approved, then delegat authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance, to source the necessary capital cash match funding of £0.948m for the Merseyway Innovation Centre.

(3) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration, to:

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

b)   Enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to deliver the Merseyway Innovation Centre;  

c)    Receive and administer European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) monies in respect of Merseyway Innovation Centre.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on proposals to develop an Innovation Centre in Stockport town centre.

Irt was stated that the Centre would be home to a business lounge, co-working space that could accommodate 20 entrepreneurs at any one time; 25 self-contained offices and flexible conference and meeting room facilities. As well as providing flexible workspace offered on an all-inclusive basis all tenants would have access to bespoke on-site business support, workshops and events.

This new Centre would form a key component of the Merseyway redevelopment proposals as it would help re-purpose vacant and hard to let space and create additional footfall and spend thus benefiting existing and new neighbouring retail and leisure uses within the town  centre.

RESOLVED – That:-

(1) The report be noted.

(2) If the ERDF funding application is approved, then authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance, to source the necessary capital cash match funding of £0.948m for the Merseyway Innovation Centre.

(3) Authority be delegted to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration, to:

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

b)    Enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to deliver the Merseyway Innovation Centre; 

c)      Receive and administer European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) monies in respect of Merseyway Innovation Centre.

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

The report sets out two initial pieces of work focussed on the infrastructure challenges in achieving the goal of making Stockport Town Centre a Smart Town over the next 20 years and the potential high level solutions to this. There will be the opportunity to use the Mayoral Development Corporation and Stockport Town Centre West as a catalyst for infrastructure planning across the whole Town Centre.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         Endorse the contents of the Central Stockport Infrastructure Delivery Plan Prospectus and the Stockport Station Growth Prospectus

·         Agree that officers should continue to work with TfGM and Network  Rail as a priority to explore and identify a new layout and design solution for the Greek Street bridge and the Thomson Street footbridge

·         Note and comment on the proposed stakeholder engagement plan outlined at 4.1 in the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out two initial pieces of work focussed on the infrastructure challenges in achieving the goal of making Stockport Town Centre a Smart Town over the next 20 years and the potential high level solutions to this.

The Infrastructure Delivery Plan seeks to set out a long term and coordinated approach to delivery in the town as a leading location for investment in the North of England and the Stockport Station Growth Prospectus outlines the potential redevelopment of Stockport Railway Station to create a new station and to reposition it as a major transport hub to integrate the Stockport Interchange, railway sidings, proposed Metrolink and the wider Stockport Town Centre West proposals to create a major national transport interchange and development location.

It was stated that the infrastructure plans would have a signfiicant impact on central Stockport and would ensure that it was well placed to deal with any future changes, attracting world-class businesses and strengthening Stockport’s  position as one of Greater Manchester’s most desirable residential locations.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet:-

(1) Endorse the contents of the Central Stockport Infrastructure Delivery Plan Prospectus and the Stockport Station Growth Prospectus.

(2) Agree that officers should continue to work with TfGM and Network Rail as a priority to explore and identify a new layout and design solution for the Greek Street bridge and the Thomson Street footbridge

(3) Note the proposed stakeholder engagement plan outlined at 4.1 in the report.

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

The report provides an update on the Cheadle Towns Fund, including background, progress to date and the next steps.  In the Council’s role as accountable body, to request authority to enter into contract and funding arrangements, subject to Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government approval, to deliver the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, the subsequent Town Deal and the Accelerated Towns Fund projects.

The report details a request for authority for the Council to support the development and delivery of the Cheadle Town Investment Plan and the subsequent Town Deal.

The Cabinet is recommended to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members Economy and Regeneration and for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to:

·         take all necessary steps to support the Cheadle Town Board to develop and implement the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, the subsequent Town Deal, and the Accelerated Towns Fund projects, reporting back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

·         enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to develop and implement the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, and if successful, enter into a Town Deal with MHCLG, and deliver the Accelerated Towns Fund projects;  

·         Subject to MHCLG approval, receive and administer Towns Fund monies, on behalf of the Cheadle Town Board, in respect of the Cheadle Town Investment Plan and Accelerated Towns Fund projects.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Cheadle Towns Fund, including background, progress to date and the next steps.  The report summarises the Cheadle Town Fund Board, the boundary, the use of the Capacity Fund and feasibility work to date, public consultation, vision and the Town Investment Plan and the Accelerated Towns Fund measures.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the delegation of authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members Economy and Regeneration and for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to:

·         take all necessary steps to support the Cheadle Town Board to develop and implement the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, the subsequent Town Deal, and the Accelerated Towns Fund projects, reporting back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

·         enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to develop and implement the Cheadle Town Investment Plan, and if successful, enter into a Town Deal with MHCLG, and deliver the Accelerated Towns Fund projects; and

·         subject to MHCLG approval, receive and administer Towns Fund monies, on behalf of the Cheadle Town Board, in respect of the Cheadle Town Investment Plan and Accelerated Towns Fund projects.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration.

The report sets out the proposal to establish a new cultural and social hub in Stockport town centre, provisionally titled ‘One Stockport Hub’; seeks approval from Cabinet to the proposal in principle; and requests that delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to take the necessary decisions to implement the proposal.

The Cabinet is requested to:

·         Note and approve in principle the proposal to develop ‘One Stockport Hub’.

·         Note and approve the work to consider any future change of use for the Central Library building, which would include engagement with the public and relevant stakeholders.

·         Note the recommendation from the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and the response to the recommendation as set out in Section 8 of this report.  

·         Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement and Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to take all necessary steps to implement the proposal set out in this report.

Officer Contacts: Paul Richards/ Kirsteen Roe on 0161 474 2940/ 3376 or email: paul.richards@stockport.gov.uk/ kirsteen.roe@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) setting out the proposal to establish a new cultural and social hub in Stockport town centre, provisionally titled ‘One Stockport Hub’.  The aim of the One Stockport Hub was to:-

·         maintain a safe and vibrant Stockport town centre that attracted visitors;

·         provide a library service for the Town Centre, including information and advice, adopting modern design principles in a convenient location, attracting greater footfall and visitors from a wide range of Stockport residents and broadening access to the service;

·         provide access to local history in a convenient and attractive location; and

·         providing an important precursor to the cultural and community hub for which the Council has applied for Future High Streets Funding.

It was noted that following the meeting of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee on 22 September 2020, the report had been updated to include a recommendation made by the committee in relation to the consultation on the proposed ‘One Stockport Hub and the future of the Central Library building.

The Deputy Leader of the Council advised the Cabinet that taking a decision on the development of the One Stockport Hub was seperate from any decision on the future of the Central Library facility and no such decision had yet been taken.

It was further stated that the council had sought independent legal advice from counsel on the contents of the additional letter that had been received from Councillor Lisa Smart, and which had been circulated with the agenda for the meeting, which confirmed that the consultation process had been undertaken lawfully and in line with the Gunning principles referred to in the letter.  However, Councillor McGee expressed his regret that the omission of the word ‘temporary’ from the consultation in relation to the proposed moving of library services while the council was unable to open Central had caused some confusion.

Councillor McGee reiterated that any permanent move of services from Central Library would be subject to further consultation.

RESOLVED – The Cabinet has:-

(1) Noted and approved in principle the proposal to develop ‘One Stockport Hub’.

(2) Noted and approved the work to consider any future change of use for the Central Library building, which would include engagement with the public and relevant stakeholders.

(3) Noted the recommendation from the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee and the response to the recommendation as set out in Section 8 of this report. 

(4) Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration and Borough Treasurer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement and Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to take all necessary steps to implement the proposal set out in this report.

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

The Council placed a moratorium on the introduction of any new resident parking schemes in 2019 to enable a full review of the existing approach to be taken. This review was required as elements of the existing policy were not working effectively and were not meeting the needs of residents. There were also concerns relating to the impact of schemes on local services and the town and district centres. In order to ensure a coordinated approach, it was agreed that all policies and procedures relating to residents parking, including the Town Centre, would be reviewed.

It is recommended that Cabinet:

·         Review and comment on the revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         Review and comment on the proposed changes to residents parking policy to reflect the revised principles

·         Review and comment on the proposed changes to town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions and seeking feedback on the proposed changes to resident parking policy and town centre parking policy to reflect the revised principles.

Councillor Bailey reported that the item had been considered by area committees in the preceding week, the last of which had met only five days previously and that further time was needed to give full consideration to the comments that had been made.

RESOLVED – That consideration of this item be deferred to a future meeting of the Cabinet pending full consideration of the comments of the area committees.

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

The report provides an update on complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2019/20 municipal year.

The Cabinet is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or by email: vicki.bates@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 complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2019/20 municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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 meetings held on 31 July and 2 September 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 (Councillor Elise Wilson) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA at its meetings on 31 July and 2 September 2020.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the following decisions:-

·         Update on the Development of a One year Greater Manchester Living with Covid Plan

·         GM Clean Air Plan – Consultation Update

·         Brownfield Land Fund and getting Building Fund

·         Local Growth Deal Programme Update and Approvals

·         Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund and Emergency Active Travel Funding, Tranche 1

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

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

The seven Portfolio Performance and Resource Agreements (PPRAs) for 2020/21 have been considered by the last cycle of Scrutiny Committees. These reflect the policy priorities for 2020/21 set out within the Council Plan, which was adopted at the Budget Council Meeting in February. This incorporates the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet.

These priorities, re-shaped to take account of One Stockport and Building Back Better (our response to Covid19), are articulated within the Portfolio Agreements, which form the basis for regular in-year reporting. Portfolio and Corporate Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs and CPRRs) will assess progress against key objectives, priorities, outcomes and budgets, enabling Scrutiny Committees to hold the Cabinet to account and for the Cabinet to identify current and future risks to delivery.

Final versions of these are now presented for approval by Cabinet, incorporating any changes made following discussion with and comments from Scrutiny Committees

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the 2020/21 Portfolio Agreements included at Appendix 1 to the report.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the draft Portfolio Agreements for 2020/21 that reflected the policy priorities for 2020/21 set out within the Council Plan and incorporated the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet.

RESOLVED – That the 2020/21 Portfolio Agreements included at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

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

The report provides the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2019/20 outturn position.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         Note the annual review of Council’s 2020/21 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

·         Approve the creation and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts;

·         Note the review of resources to support the Council’s financial response to the COVID19 pandemic over the medium term period if needed and the opportunity cost to the Council of using the resources for this purpose rather than the purpose they were earmarked to be used for;

·         Note the recommendation to use resources held in earmarked reserves to support the Council financial response to the pandemic as a last resort to mitigate the impacts detailed in the report; and

·         Approve the proposed 2020/21 Reserves Policy.

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 Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2019/20 outturn position; the 2020/21 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring Update and the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy.

Councillor McGee reported that reserves were used to provide short term budget resilence and to mitigate against unexpected financial presures and that overall the council had a reasonable level of reserves that had allowed it to better weather the pressures associated with the council’s response to the coronavirus panedmeic than some other authorities which had little or no reserves or relied on income.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Council’s Reserves Policy 2020/21:-

·         the annual review of Council’s 2020/21 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held be noted;

·         the creation and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts be approved;

·         the review of resources to support the Council’s financial response to the COVID19 pandemic over the medium term period if needed and the opportunity cost to the Council of using the resources for this purpose rather than the purpose they were earmarked to be used for be noted;

·         the recommendation to use resources held in earmarked reserves to support the Council financial response to the pandemic as a last resort to mitigate the impacts detailed in the report be noted; and

·         the proposed 2020/21 Reserves Policy be approved.

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.

Part A outlines the outcomes of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update Review. Given the uncertainty, volatility and risk of the current financial landscape which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the review retests the MTFP forecasts and assumptions approved by the Council in February to ensure they continue to be based on the latest available information. The report highlights the expected financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Council in 2020/21 and highlights the ongoing financial legacy of the pandemic over the medium term period due to the financial scarring impacts identified. It is recommended that the updating of the MTFP continues to be iterative and the underpinning MTFP forecasts and assumptions are retested throughout the year and reported to Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees as part of the Council’s 2021/22 budget setting process. 

The Cabinet is recommended to:

1)    Note the outcomes of the MTFP Update Review particularly the identified COVID19 financial scarring impacts and changes to the MTFP forecasts and assumption approved in February;

2)    Note that the Council’s savings requirement has increased to £23.341m in 2021/22 rising to £34.825m in 2022/23 subject to further review and updates during the financial year.

3)    Note that the earmarked reserves identified as part of the Councils COVID19 strategy of response.

4)    Approve the recommendation to cap the use of earmarked reserves to support the Council’s COVID19 strategy of response at £20m over the medium term period 2021/22 to 2022/23;

5)    Note that the MTFP does not include any forecasts or assumptions for the financial impact of a further wave of COVID19 and/or further national/local lockdown/restrictions; and

6)    Note that due to the significant uncertainty, volatility and risk of the financial landscape  the assessment of the MTFP forecasts and assumptions will continue to be iterative with further updates to the MTFP reported to Cabinet as part of the 2021/22 budget setting process.

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

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councilllor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcomes of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update Review including the expected financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Council in 2020/21.

Councillor McGee reported that the Cabinet was seeking to avoid having an emergency budget, however the council was currently looking at an adverse impact of £56 million which was made up of £23 million of additional expenditure and £32 million of losses, however the council was well placed to be able to manage its way through the current situation and present its budget proposals over the course of the next three months.

Councillor Bailey expressed her thanks to the team of finance officers at the council for their work in putting together the report and throughout the pandemic in ensuring that the council was on a sound financial footing.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update, the Cabinet has:-

(1) Noted the outcomes of the MTFP Update Review particularly the identified COVID19 financial scarring impacts and changes to the MTFP forecasts and assumption approved in February;

(2) Noted that the Council’s savings requirement has increased to £23.341m in 2021/22 rising to £34.825m in 2022/23 subject to further review and updates during the financial year.

(3) Noted that the earmarked reserves identified as part of the Councils COVID19 strategy of response.

(4) Approved the recommendation to cap the use of earmarked reserves to support the Council’s COVID19 strategy of response at £20m over the medium term period 2021/22 to 2022/23;

(5) Noted that the MTFP does not include any forecasts or assumptions for the financial impact of a further wave of COVID19 and/or further national/local lockdown/restrictions; and

(6) Noted that due to the significant uncertainty, volatility and risk of the financial landscape  the assessment of the MTFP forecasts and assumptions will continue to be iterative with further updates to the MTFP reported to Cabinet as part of the 2021/22 budget setting process.

Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, the MTFP Update Review sets out the financial challenges facing the Council over the medium term period. This will mean there will be difficult choices to make against our budget that could have significant challenges for our communities. As part of this our COVID-19 strategy of response will include our transformation programme, our MTFP Strategy, local taxation and the use of earmarked reserves. We continue to be committed to the transformation ambitions we have set out previously, this will involve bold and ambitious change – building on the inspiring collaboration we have seen across our communities and across sectors. For us to do this though we need to respond to the immediate financial challenge facing the Council and the need to ensure the Council’s 2021/22 Budget and MTFP remain robust and resilient.

We will work closely with our partners and other stakeholders including our communities to understand the impact that any service changes may have.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1)        Note the approach and endorse the proposed developments and next steps including agreeing to share with scrutiny for comment further detail on our MTFP programme;

2)        Support the ongoing development of our emerging Council narrative and transformation programme.

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

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councilllor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider proposals for its response to the opportunities, challenges and uncertainty outlined within the review of the Medium Term Financial Plan.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Cabinet response to the Medium Term Financial Plan, the Cabinet has:-

·         noted the approach and endorsed the proposed developments and next steps detailed in the report including agreeing to share with scrutiny for comment further detail on the MTFP programme; and

·         supported the ongoing development of the emerging Council narrative and transformation programme.

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 report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport.

The report details a proposal for the procurement of specialist highway and bridge contractors to support the Council in its delivery of significant infrastructure works over the next decade in terms of highway and bridge improvement and maintenance.

(NOTE: This item contains a confidential appendix that ha sbeen circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is asked to review the information contained within this report and the associated Confidential Appendix and approve the Contract Awards for the Alliance Framework for Highway Related Services.

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 Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the procurement of specialist highway and bridge contractors to support the Council in its delivery of significant infrastructure works over the next decade in terms of highway and bridge improvement and maintenance.

(NOTE: This item contained a confidential appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - That approval the contract awards for the Alliance Framework for Highway Related Services as identified in the report and the associated confidential appendix.

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

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed commercial transcation at Redrock.

(NOTE: The report comprised a ‘not for publication’ report that was circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the transcation and the detailed recommendations and associated delegations contained in the ‘not for publication’ report.

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

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed approach to sustaining Council owned leisure centres following closure and business interruption due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and the provision of necessary funding to support continued service delivery and the potential transition to new arrangements.

(NOTE: The report comprised a ‘not for publication’ report that was circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the detailed recommendations and associated delegations contained in the ‘not for publication’ report.