Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meetings held on 6 October and 4 December 2020.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 October and 4 December 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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.

Seven public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to whether it would be possible to publish the locations of trees to be felled by the Council along with the rationale for doing so on the Council’s website.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that there were approximately 1.5 million trees in the Council’s care and their maintenance was a primary concern of the Council.  It was stated that far more trees were planted than removed in any one year, and the Council’s policy was that for every tree removed, two were planted in its place.  The Council’s Climate Change Strategy aimed to plant new woodlands amounting to tens of thousands of trees.  Councillor Bailey stated that in normal circumstances, trees were only felled when they were dead, dying, diseased or proven to be causing damage. 

It was confirmed that there was currently no notification provided on the website of trees that were proposed to be felled, and in the current circumstances is was not considered practicable to do so as IT resources were currently being targeted at responding the demands imposed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  However, the suggestion had been noted and would be reconsidered when resources permitted.

·         Relating to the creation of an unofficial lorry park by the A555 airport relief road, wherein HGVs were stopping for prolonged periods on the old A6 Buxton Road, and the impact that this was having on local resident’s privacy, safety and property values.

·         Relating to the street lighting on the old A6 Buxton Road and whether it could be modified to reflect that the area was now residential and not a major A-road as the LED lights were creating a light-spill issue into the surrounding properties.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that both of these questions had been asked at the meeting of the Stepping Hill Area Committee on 15 December 2020 at which officers had been asked to provide a written response to the questioner.

·         Relating to an apparent difference between the language used in the motion passed by the Council on 22 October 2020 where it stated that a decision “…to permanently close or remove services from Stockport Central Library [would not be taken] unless and until there has been a proper public consultation…” and that of a letter from the Deputy Leader of the Council on 8 December 2020 where it was stated that “Any decision to permanently move library services, would be subject to a detailed consultation and engagement exercise, that would take into account the view of a range of stakeholders…” and whether this variance could be explained.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that there was no variance in the intention behind both statements and that ‘a ‘detailed consultation’ and a ‘public consultation’ would always include a range of stakeholders.  It was stressed that any future proposals to move services away from Central Library would always be subject to a detailed public consultation.

·         Relating to what alterations were needed to Central Library to make it Covid-safe so that it could be reopened to the public.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that the Council had responded to a Freedom of Information request providing an early estimate of the cost involved in making Central Library Covid-safe and the alterations that would be required.  It was stated that One Stockport Hub would provide a much needed temporary library service in the town centre, and that once social distancing requirements had been sufficiently relaxed, library services would move back to Central Library.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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.

The following representations have been received:-

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 24, 25 and 26 as these items 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:-

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

Within this report we outline the latest update on our approach to responding to the unprecedented uncertainty outlined within the medium-term financial plan (MTFP) update presented to the Cabinet meeting in October . We have previously stated that our ambition remains on delivering impactful and outcomes-focussed transformational change for communities and businesses across Stockport. This remains our commitment and outlined within this latest update is further detail of how we will seek to ensure a resilient budget which supports the Borough’s recovery from the significant financial impact of the pandemic and enables us to deliver our longer-term ambitions.

Specifically, this report includes a series of proposals outlined in Section 5 to support the balancing on the Council’s 2021/22 Budget. These proposals were presented to all Scrutiny Committees at the December meetings to ensure an open and transparent consultation and scrutiny process.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Note the details of the report including the announcements made by Government since October and in the 2020 Spending Review;

·         Approve the update to the MTFP savings requirement following the 2020 Spending Review;

·         Approve the saving proposals set out in Appendix 1 to support the balancing of the Council’s 2021/22 Budget to provide a stable financial platform for the transformation programme linked to One Stockport needed to support the Council’s recovery and address the medium term financial challenge;

·         Note and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2020/21 to 2022/23, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council

·         Note that the forecasts and assumptions underpinning the MTFP will continue to be reviewed to ensure they remain robust and resilient as part of the Council’s 2021/22 budget setting process. A further update of the Council’s MTFP will be presented to Cabinet in February prior to the Budget Council meeting;     

·         Note the MTFP revised forecast cumulative savings requirement of £8.115m in 2021/22 rising to £26.802m in 2022/23; and

·         Take the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2021/22 to the Budget Council meeting on 25 February 2021.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies / Holly Rae on telephone number 07800 617 550 or alternatively email on jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk / holly.rae@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) outlining the latest update on its approach to responding to the unprecedented uncertainty outlined within the medium-term financial plan (MTFP) update presented to the Cabinet meeting in October, and detailing a series of proposals outlined in Section 5 of the report to support the balancing of the Council’s 2021/22 Budget.

Councillor McGee stated that the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic had meant that the Council had made significant changes to the way that it operated over the past year.  However, the announcements over the past week in relation to the creation of an additional fourth tier of restrictions and the extension of the furlough scheme suggested that economic recovery may take longer than originally anticipated.  As a consequence, Councillor McGee stated that in addition to the schedule of recommendations contained within the report, he wished to ask the Cabinet to give approval to the inclusion of a further resolution relating to an agreement that it receives a further report at a future meeting of the Cabinet examining whether it was necessary or appropriate to move earmarked reserves into general balances.

RESOLVED – That:-

·         the details of the report including the announcements made by Government since October and in the 2020 Spending Review be noted;

·         the update to the MTFP savings requirement following the 2020 Spending Review be approved;

·         the saving proposals set out in Appendix 1 to support the balancing of the Council’s 2021/22 Budget to provide a stable financial platform for the transformation programme linked to One Stockport needed to support the Council’s recovery and address the medium term financial challenge be approved;

·         the financial forecasts for 2020/21 to 2022/23, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges facing the Council be noted;;

·         that the forecasts and assumptions underpinning the MTFP will continue to be reviewed to ensure they remain robust and resilient as part of the Council’s 2021/22 budget setting process be noted.;    

·         the MTFP revised forecast cumulative savings requirement of £8.115m in 2021/22 rising to £26.802m in 2022/23 be noted;

·         approval be given to take the final steps necessary to propose a balanced budget for 2021/22 to the Budget Council meeting on 25 February 2021; and

·         it be agreed to receive a further report to a future meeting of the Cabinet examining whether it was necessary or appropriate to move earmarked reserves into general balances.

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

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

This report summarises the impact of Business Rates and Council Tax discounts and exemptions over the last year and recommends their continuation for 2020/21, along with the addition of a 300% Council Tax premium charge for properties that have been empty for at least 10 years from 1 April 2021.  

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         That the CASC Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2021/22, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

·         That Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2021/22.

·         That Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2021/22 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

·         That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not for Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2021/22.

·         That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2021/22.

·         That the continuation of a case by case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2021/22. It is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned.

·         That the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties from 2021/22.

·         That the maximum Council Tax premium charge levels in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties are implemented in accordance with those shown at para 4.4.3 from 2021/22.

·         That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2021/22.

·         That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2021/22 as detailed at Appendix 5.

·         That in the absence of a government funded grant, the existing Council Tax discretionary fund is refreshed to £25k for 2021/22, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.

·         That the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2021/22.

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) detailing proposed changes to the scheme of local discounts and exemptions against liability for Business Rates and Council Tax.

RESOLVED – That it be agreed:-

·         that the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2021/22, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

·         that Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2021/22.

·         that Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2021/22 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

·         that the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not for Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2021/22.That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2021/22.

·         that the continuation of a case by case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2021/22. It is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned.

·         that the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties from 2021/22.

·         that the maximum Council Tax premium charge levels in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties are implemented in accordance with those shown at para 4.4.3 from 2021/22.

·         that any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2021/22.

·         that Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2021/22 as detailed at Appendix 5.

·         that in the absence of a government funded grant, the existing Council Tax discretionary fund is refreshed to £25k for 2021/22, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.

·         that the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2021/22.

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

This Pay Policy Statement (the ‘statement’) sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.  The policy also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The Councils Gender Pay Gap information is also included in line with the publication requirements.

The purpose of the statement is to provide transparency with regard to the Council’s approach to setting the pay of its employees (excluding teaching staff working in local authority schools) by confirming the methods by which salaries of all employees are determined; the detail and level of remuneration of its most senior staff i.e. ‘chief officers’, as defined by the relevant legislation; the responsibility of the Appointments Committee to ensure the provisions set out in this statement relating to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Directors and Service Directors are applied consistently throughout the Council and recommend any amendments to the Council. The report also includes the Council Gender Pay Gap figures for 2020.

Once approved by the full Council, this policy statement will come into immediate effect and will be subject to review on a minimum of an annual basis, the policy for the next financial year being approved by 31 March each year.

The Cabinet is to recommended to endorse the Pay Policy Statement and to recommend that the Council Meeting:-

(1) Approves and adopts the Pay Policy Statement for the Council.

(2) Agrees to publish the Councils Gender Pay Gap information.

Officer contact: Greg McNair on 0161 218 1427 or email: greg.mcnair@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) detailing the Council’s Annual Pay Policy Statement and Gender Pay Gap figures for 2020.

Councillor McGee welcomed the information contained within the report that there had been a continued narrowing of the gender pay gap, albeit that there had been a marginal narrowing this year.  It was further stated that the living wage supplement would be paid to anybody on the bottom two points of the pay spine.

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

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

The Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme is used to carry out upgrade work and improvements to buildings within the Councils operational estate and schools estate. This report provides detail of the AMP capital programme for 20219/22 and sets out the indicative programmes to be delivered through to 2023/2024.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve the programme for 2021/22 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for up to 2023/24, as set out in the report;

(2) Approve the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2021/22 to 2023/24; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) in conjunction with the Estates Capital Board (ECB);

(3) Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

(4) Note that a mid year review of the AMP Programme will be conducted.

Officer contact Charlotte Cordingley on Tel: 0161 474 4240 or by email on Charlotte.cordingley@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) the proposed Asset Management Plan to carry out upgrade work and improvements to buildings within the Councils operational estate and schools estate and setting out the capital programme for 20219/22 and the indicative programmes to be delivered through to 2023/2024.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There was a backlog of maintenance work required across the schools estate and a need to ensure that there was sufficient capacity for primary school places.

·         There was a need to ensure buildings were upgraded operationally.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the ability to implement the school rebuilding programme from September 2021 due to delays at central government level.

·         The response of the Asset Management Programme to the declared Climate Emergency and the Stockport Climate Action Now was welcomed, with particular regard to decarbonisation.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the programme for 2021/22 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for up to 2023/24, as set out in the report.

(2) That approval be given to the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2021/22 to 2023/24; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) in conjunction with the Estates Capital Board (ECB).

(3) That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be given authorisation to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

(4) That it be noted that a mid-year review of the AMP Programme will be conducted.

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

The report provides an update on the Getting Building Fund and a summary of Stockport’s successful projects. It contains a request for authority to enter into contracts and agreements to draw down the funding and to progress the design on Stockport Exchange Phase 4 in advance of the Cabinet decision in February 2021.

(1) That the contents of this report are noted.

(2) That delegate authority is given 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:

a)    take all necessary steps to bring forward eligible projects for the Getting Building Fund and to report back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

b)   enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to support the delivery of Getting Building Fund supported projects;  

c)    authorise £0.235M to further develop proposals for Stockport Exchange Phase 4; and

d)   to receive and administer from the grant provider Getting Building Fund monies, and enter into reciprocal agreements, as required, with the grant recipients.

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 Getting Building Fund and a summary of Stockport’s successful projects. It also contained a request for authority to enter into contracts and agreements to draw down the funding and to progress the design on Stockport Exchange Phase 4 in advance of the Cabinet decision in February 2021.

RESOLVED - (1) That the contents of this report be noted.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive and the Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration and for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to:

(a)  take all necessary steps to bring forward eligible projects for the Getting Building Fund and to report back as necessary and appropriate to the Cabinet;

(b)  enter into contracts, procurement and funding agreements, as required, to support the delivery of Getting Building Fund supported projects; 

(c)  authorise £0.235M to further develop proposals for Stockport Exchange Phase 4; and

(d)  to receive and administer from the grant provider Getting Building Fund monies, and enter into reciprocal agreements, as required, with the grant recipients.   

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

The report seeks a Council in principal resolution to acquire, if necessary by CPO, a plot of land and buildings located on Wellington Road South. The land is required to bring forward improvements to the Railway Road and Wellington Road South junction.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Agree in principle to the use of CPO powers, if necessary, to acquire land and property and existing rights and interests in the proposed order land, where acquisition by agreement is not possible;

(2) Agree to authorise officers to take all necessary steps to commence the process for the making, confirmation and implementation of a CPO, including securing the appointment of suitable external advisors and preparing all necessary CPO documentation;

(3) Note that a further report will be presented to the Cabinet to approve the making of a CPO and to confirm the extent of the order land to be acquired following the finalisation of the necessary preparatory work.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161-474-3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk  r 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) detailing a proposed scheme for the widening of Railway Road, the reconfiguration of the junction, including improved cycle crossing facilities, and tie in with parallel zebra crossing with improved public realm and cycle route at the Wellington Road South and Railway Road junction that would require the acquisition of the land edged red on the plan attached to the report at Appendix 1. 

The Cabinet noted that attempts had been made by officers to acquire the land through agreement,  however these have been unsuccessful to date due to a sizeable difference in values between the parties.

RESOLVED  - (1) That it be agreement in principle be made to the use of CPO powers, if necessary, to acquire land and property and existing rights and interests in the proposed order land, where acquisition by agreement is not possible;

(2) That officers be authorised to take all necessary steps to commence the process for the making, confirmation and implementation of a CPO, including securing the appointment of suitable external advisors and preparing all necessary CPO documentation;

(3) That it be noted that a further report will be presented to the Cabinet to approve the making of a CPO and to confirm the extent of the order land to be acquired following the finalisation of the necessary preparatory work.

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

The purpose of this paper is to seek approval for the revised policy based upon feedback from Scrutiny and Area Committees.

The Council’s approach to parking sits at the intersection of a number of competing agendas including responding to the climate emergency, promoting health, wellbeing and active travel, and promoting economic growth. It has become evident through the review process that any parking policies need to navigate between these sometimes competing priorities whilst also accounting for the expectations of residents, businesses and visitors to Stockport, and managing the impacts of population growth and demographic change.

The Cabinet is recommended to review, comment on and approve:-

·         the revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions

·         the proposed methods for demand management for parking schemes.

·         the proposal to move all free schemes to paid for schemes as and when maintenance work takes place, but this approach will be kept under review with the Cabinet Member.

·         the proposal to charge for a permit as identified in paragraphs 6.2 and 6.3 of the report and to review the costs annually as part of the Council Fees and Charges Report.

·         That the proposed charges start to be applied from the 1st April   2021 and increase annually by inflationary costs

·         the proposed changes to residents parking policy (Appendix 2) to reflect the revised principle

·         the proposed changes to town centre parking policy (Appendix 3) 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 a proposed approach to residents parking in Stockport town centre and the rest of borough and outlining the comments of the area committees and the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee on the proposal.

Councillor Bailey reported that there had been a moratorium on new residents permit parking schemes pending the development of the proposed policy.  It was stated that the previous approach which sought to look at streets on an individual basis had served to displace the parking problem rather than solve it.  The proposed policy sought to create parking zones which would allow areas to be looked at holistically and facilitate the development of electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and the need to accommodate some business programme.  However, it was stated that no approach would resolve every issue entirely.

In response to concerns expressed by some councillors that the concerns they had expressed at various committees had not been captured within the report Councillor Bailey then provided a further detailed update to the meeting in relation to those comments specifically made by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.  Councillor Bailey then provided individual responses to the comments made by the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee as follows:-

Comment 1: Concern was expressed in relation to the proposal within the report to supply councillors with free permits.

Response: No firm proposal was mad in the original document, merely  a statement of projected costs. Proposed charges have been included in the finalised report. 

Comment 2: It was queried how visitors to residential accommodation within the town centre would be accommodated within the proposals.

Response: All details relating to the town centre have been discussed in detail with the ward councillors representing that area.

Comment 3: The report stated that it did not anticipate any impact on LGBTQ people.

Response: An Equality Impact Assessment had been completed and included with the report.

Comment 4: In response to a question about behavioural change and what work had been undertaken thus far, it was stated that the council and TfGM had invested significantly in walking and cycling schemes to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport.

Response: Information was given on the night at committee regarding TfGM walking and cycling schemes and encouragement to use alternative modes of transport.

Comment 5: It was requested that ward councillors be involved in delineating the boundaries of the town centre for parking policy purposes.

Response: This has been discussed in detail with the ward councillors representing that area and a map had been included in the report at their request.

Comment 6: Discussions were ongoing with regard to the final cost to residents for a parking permit under the new scheme. It was clarified that any scheme would be introduced at least initially using paper-based permits, however work was taking place to transition this to e-permits.

Response: Information about this issue was given on the night but is confirmed within the report presented at the Cabinet Meeting.

Comment 7: It was suggested that the report be submitted to area committees for their comments in the light of the localised impact that the proposed strategy would have on communities across the borough.

Response: This was done.

It was then

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:-

·         the revised principles to guide future parking policy decisions.

·         the proposed methods for demand management for parking schemes.

·         the proposal to move all free schemes to paid for schemes as and when maintenance work takes place, but this approach will be kept under review with the Cabinet Member.

·         the proposal to charge for a permit as identified in paragraphs 6.2 and 6.3 of the report and to review the costs annually as part of the Council Fees and Charges Report.

·         That the proposed charges start to be applied from the 1st April   2021 and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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

Stockport Council is the Licensing Authority for the area of Stockport, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act). It is therefore responsible for the regulation of licensing matters within the borough.

The Act requires us to have a Statement of Licensing Policy which must be reviewed every 5 years.

The policy states how Stockport Council will exercise its licensing functions in order to promote the four Licensing Objectives

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting approves and adopts the Statement of Licenisng Policy.

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) stating that Stockport Council was the Licensing Authority for the area of Stockport, and under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act) it was therefore responsible for the regulation of licensing matters within the borough.  The Act further required the Council to have a Statement of Licensing Policy which must be reviewed every five years. The current policy was last published in 2016 and so a review and publication was now due.

The reported outlined the approach taken to review the existing Statement of Licensing Policy and the next steps in readiness for ongoing approval up to the Council Meeting on 21 January 2021.

It was commented that some councillors experienced frustration in relation to the strict parameters within which applications for licences under the Licensing Act 2003 were dealt with, with particular relevance to objections and the public nature in which those must be made.  In response, it was stated that this was governed by the requirements of the Act and the Council had no discretion to alter this.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy.

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

This report presents the various aspects of the flood events in July 2019 when areas across Northern England were hit by a low-pressure weather system and experienced periods of intense and significant rainfall. The Metropolitan Borough of Stockport was heavily impacted by the storms, which affected properties right across the borough and resulted in widespread flooding and transport disruption. This report also incorporates the Final Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers..

The Cabinet is recommened to:-

(1) Approve the final section 19 report.

(2) Approve the proposed response in this report and request an annual Flood Resilience Plan is brought to Communities and Housing Scrutiny each year.

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) presenting the various aspects of the flood events in July 2019 when areas across Northern England were hit by a low-pressure weather system and experienced periods of intense and significant rainfall that also incorporated the Final Independent Section 19 Investigation Report in accordance with the Flood & Water Management Act (FWMA) 2010 on the investigation into the flooding events undertaken independently by Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the final Section 19 report.

(2) That approved be given to the proposed response as detailed in the report and that it be requested that an annual Flood Resilience Plan be brought to Communities and Housing Scrutiny Committee each year.

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

The current Stockport Sustainable Modes of School Travel Strategy only runs to the end of 2020. A review of the strategy has therefore been undertaken. The attached draft strategy 2020 to 2025 is the result of this review.

The Cabinet is recommended to comment on the draft strategy and approve its use as the Council Strategy for sustainable school travel promotion until 2025.

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 Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education (Councillor Colin Foster) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Council’s statutory duty under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to promote sustainable travel to school; detailing a review of the existing strategy, and outlining a proposed Sustainable Modes of School Travel Strategy for 2020 to 2025.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the adoption of the proposed Sustainable Modes of School Travel Strategy as the Council’s Strategy for sustainable school travel promotion until 2025.

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

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (“the Commission”) is an independent body, responsible for determining electoral arrangements of local authorities across England.

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (“the Act”) outlines the duty on the Commission to undertake an electoral review of every principal local authority in England ‘from time to time’.

Many metropolitan districts have not been reviewed since the Commission’s predecessor body undertook a review of all local authorities in England between 1996 and 2004; Stockport’s last electoral review was completed in 2003. The Commission intends to review all authorities that have not been reviewed since that time, and thus have decided to undertake an electoral review of Stockport in 2020/21.

The purpose of this report is to propose the draft Council Size Submission Report for approval at the Council Meeting on 21 January 2021 prior to a final version being submitted to the Commission on 2 February 2021.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting gives approval to the Council Size Submission Report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or 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) detailing the progress of the ongoing electoral review being undertaken in Stockport by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and detailing a proposed draft Council Size Submission Report.

RESOLVED -  That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the Council Size Submission Report.

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

The report details a proposal for the extension of the contract between the Council and Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the provision of Public Mortuary and Autopsy Related Post Mortem Services.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the report and give approval to the extension of the contract on the terms identified in the report due to its potential financial value across the 8 year extension term.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or 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) detailing a proposal for the extension of the contract between the Council and Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the provision of Public Mortuary and Autopsy Related Post Mortem Services.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the extension of the contract between the Council and Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the provision of Public Mortuary and Autopsy Related Post Mortem Services on the terms identified in the report.

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

Following the passing of a council motion, with cross-party support, in September 2018 condemning the practice of modern slavery, the council signed a Modern Slavery Charter.

One of the Charter’s commitments was to publish a Modern Slavery Statement that sets out the measures the council has implemented to ensure its supply chains are not linked to modern slavery, as well as further measures it intends to implement.

This report therefore presents the second iteration of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement, to cover the period up to 31st March 2022, and seeks committee’s approval to adopt that refreshed statement.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the second iteration of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement.

Officer contact: Alan Lawson on 0161 474 5397 or email: alan.lawson@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) identifying that in September 2018, the Council Meeting had given approval to a motion condemning the practice of modern slavery and that the Council had subsequently signed a Modern Slavery Charter.

It was noted that one of the Charter’s commitments was to publish a Modern Slavery Statement that sets out the measures the council had implemented to ensure its supply chains were not linked to modern slavery, as well as further measures it intended to implement.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the adoption of the second iteration of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement for the period up to 31 March 2022 as detailed in the report.

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 25 September, 30 October and 27 November.

Officer contact: Damian Eaton on 0161 474 3207 or email:

damian.eaton@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 decisions taken by the GMCA at its meetings on 25 September, 30 October and 27 November 2020.

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

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

The Mid-Year Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget in the first half of the financial year, with a particular focus on the second quarter of 2020/21 (July – Sept) and up to the end of October where possible.

This report is the first CPRR to be produced for 2020/21 reflecting the 2020/21 Council Plan, MTFP and new Portfolio priorities. It includes additional priorities and delivery plans developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. A short Budget Monitoring update was produced for Quarter 1 and presented to Cabinet in July and CRMG Scrutiny in September. 

The CPRR includes an executive summary and performance analysis, along with the forecast position on revenue and capital, and a focus on highlights and exceptions during the year to date.

The Cabinet is asked to:

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

·         Note the key achievements against Shared Priorities (Section 1) and analysis of corporate performance for 2020/21 (Section 2);

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

·         ote the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2020/21 as set out in section 3.3;

·         ote 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 October 2020;

·         Note the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic set out in section 3.8;

·         Note the position for the 2020/21 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1;

·         Note the changes and re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 4.2 to 4.4;

·         Approve the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 4.5;

·         Approve the 2020/21 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.6; 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 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 a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget in the first half of the financial year, with a particular focus on the second quarter of 2020/21 (July – Sept) and up to the end of October where possible.

Councillor McGee extended the thanks of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet to all of its staff and those of its partners in the way in which it had dealt with very challenging circumstances.

RESOLVED - That in relation to the Corporate Performance and Resources Mid-Year Reports 2020/21, the Cabinet has:-

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

·         noted the key achievements against Shared Priorities (Section 1) and analysis of corporate performance for 2020/21 (Section 2);

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

·         noted the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2020/21 as set out in section 3.3;

·         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;

·         noted the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.7 and noted the resulting reserves and balances position as at 31 October 2020;

·         noted the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic set out in section 3.8;

·         noted the position for the 2020/21 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1;

·         noted the changes and re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in 4.2 to 4.4;

·         approved the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 4.5;

·         approved the 2020/21 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.6; and

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

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

This report provides Cabinet with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2020/21 approved by Council on  27 February 2020 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2020/21 and details how  this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.

An overview is provided of more recent forecasts and developments in the financial  markets and how these are affecting the Council’s investment portfolio and borrowing  strategies for the current financial year. A review is provided of the Council’s capital expenditure prudential indicators and compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2020/21.

There are no key changes required to the Treasury Management and Capital strategies for 2020/21, which continue to be relevant and effective. Interest rate forecasts (explained in  Section 8) engendered by the current economic situation (given in Section 13) of the report, will lead the Council’s investment and borrowing strategies for the remainder of the financial year.

The main report is very detailed and provides a full picture of all the variables and circumstances impacting upon the Council’s treasury management operation; consequently, a ‘key highlights’ summary report containing all of the prevalent points has also been provided. This can be found immediately before the full report for quick reference.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council meeting:

·         Notes the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year;

·         Notes the revised interest rate forecasts for Bank rate and PWLB rates over the short and medium-term, which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward.

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) providing the Cabinet with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2020/21 approved by Council on  27 February 2020 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year be noted.

(2) That the revised interest rate forecasts for Bank rate and PWLB rates over the short and medium-term, which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward be noted.

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

This report deals with the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2020/21, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2021/22 and also presents a forecast for Business Rates income for 2021/22.  These items form an integral and important part of the Council’s budget setting process.

It is recommended:-

(1) That the Cabinet:

·         Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund deficit of £48.543m in 2020/21 relating to a Council Tax deficit of £5.603m and Business Rates deficit of £42.940m;

·         Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund deficit to be reimbursed to the Council’s General Fund in 2021/22 of £47.271m relating to a Council Tax deficit of £4.760m and Business Rates deficit of £42.511m;

·         Note the 2021/22 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 95,945.1 Band D equivalent dwellings. The Council’s final 2021/22 Council Tax Taxbase will be presented for approval to the Council meeting on 21 January 2021;

·         Provisionally approve the 2021/22 forecast for Business Rates income of £77.055m; and

·         Note the forecast 100% Pilot benefit from the 2020/21 Pilot of £2.966m.

(2) That the Cabinet delegates the following decisions to the Corporate Director – Corporate and Support Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance:-

·         The decision to change the in-year provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund position in 2020/21 prior to declaring the position by 31 January 2021;

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

·         The decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 7 and Table 8.

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 the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2020/21, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2021/22 and a forecast for Business Rates income for 2021/22.

RESOLVED – (1) That in relation to the Stockport Billing Area - 2021/22 Council Tax Taxbase and Non Domestic Rates forecast, the Cabinet has agreed to:-

·         Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund deficit of £48.543m in 2020/21 relating to a Council Tax deficit of £5.603m and Business Rates deficit of £42.940m;

·         Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund deficit to be reimbursed to the Council’s General Fund in 2021/22 of £47.271m relating to a Council Tax deficit of £4.760m and Business Rates deficit of £42.511m;

·         Note the 2021/22 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 95,945.1 Band D equivalent dwellings. The Council’s final 2021/22 Council Tax Taxbase will be presented for approval to the Council meeting on 21 January 2021;

·         Provisionally approve the 2021/22 forecast for Business Rates income of £77.055m; and

·         Note the forecast 100% Pilot benefit from the 2020/21 Pilot of £2.966m.

(2) That the following decisions be delegated to the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance:-

·         the decision to change the in-year provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund position in 2020/21 prior to declaring the position by 31 January 2021;

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

·         the decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 7 and Table 8.

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 Economy & Regeneration.

This report seeks approval for redevelopment of the former BHS store, acquired by the Council in July 2019, into three units, with new public realm to provide grade level access to the front of the store, a rear access leading to a first floor unit and a new shopfront. The redevelopment is proposed on the basis of pre-lets to two national retailers having been secured. Draft Heads of Terms are contained as part of Confidential Appendix 4. 

(NOTE: The report contains information in its appendices that is  ‘not for publication’ and have been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

(1) That Cabinet approve the redevelopment of the former BHS store as outlined in the above report.

(2) That Cabinet delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, Place, and the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate and Support Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to:

·         Appoint a contractor to deliver the refurbishment works and execute any necessary letter of intent or other agreement, pending resolution of the final contract, to maintain progress.

·         Take any action needed to resolve issues that may hinder the delivery of this project within the planned programme and budget.

·         Agree the final terms of the occupational interests with the proposed tenants.

(3) That Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

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) detailing a proposal for the redevelopment of the former BHS store, acquired by the Council in July 2019, into three units, with new public realm to provide grade level access to the front of the store, a rear access leading to a first floor unit and a new shopfront.

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

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the redevelopment of the former BHS store as outlined in the report.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive, and the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to:

·         Appoint a contractor to deliver the refurbishment works and execute any necessary letter of intent or other agreement, pending resolution of the final contract, to maintain progress.

·         Take any action needed to resolve issues that may hinder the delivery of this project within the planned programme and budget.

·         Agree the final terms of the occupational interests with the proposed tenants.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

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

The reports sets out and summarises the marketing campaigns that have recently concluded on two key town centre development sites and seeks approval to dispose of the two sites.

The sites are the former Ritz Cinema car park (also known as ‘land at Piccadilly’ and ‘Fletcher Street’) and the former Greenhale House site.  These respective sites are identified on the red line plans in Appendix 1.

(NOTE: The report contains information in its appendices that is  ‘not for publication’ and have been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve the proposal to dispose of the former Ritz Cinema car park in line with the recommendation report in Confidential Appendix 2 and the Heads of Terms as detailed in Confidential Appendix 4;

(2) Approve the proposal to dispose of the former Greenhale House in line with the recommendation report in Confidential Appendix 2 and the Heads of Terms as detailed in Confidential Appendix 5;

(3) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance to negotiate and agree the detailed final terms relating to the disposal of the interests in the two subject sites;

(4) Delegate authority to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

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 and summarising the marketing campaigns that have recently concluded on two key town centre development sites and seeking approval for the disposal of the former Ritz Cinema car park (also known as ‘land at Piccadilly’ and ‘Fletcher Street’) and the former Greenhale House site.

(NOTE: The report contained a ‘not for publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the proposal to dispose of the former Ritz Cinema car park in line with the recommendation report in Confidential Appendix 2 and the Heads of Terms as detailed in Confidential Appendix 4.

(2) That approval be given That approval be given to the proposal to dispose of the former Greenhale House in line with the recommendation report in Confidential Appendix 2 and the Heads of Terms as detailed in Confidential Appendix 5.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance to negotiate and agree the detailed final terms relating to the disposal of the interests in the two subject sites.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

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

The report details proposals to move to new delivery arrangements for Council-owned leisure facilities and Active Communities programmes.

(NOTE: The report contains information in its appendices that is  ‘not for publication’ and have been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to

(1) Authorise the establishment of a Community Interest Company to deliver active communities programmes on behalf of the Council and to operate Council owned leisure centres, subject to:

(i)         the development of a detailed business case and benefit rationalisation for moving to a Community Interest Company with advice on the optimum timescale and scope of services to minimise overall Council spend on active communities/leisure whilst maximising the impact of interventions to improve levels of physical activity in the Borough.

(ii)        the development of a detailed implementation and transition plan to move from current arrangements to a Community Interest Company at an appropriate time which minimises overall Council spend on active communities/leisure whilst maximising the impact of interventions to improve levels of physical activity in the Borough.

(2) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Sustainable Stockport and Resources, Commissioning & Governance to take all action necessary to establish the Community Interest Company and transfer services to the new organisation.

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to move to new delivery arrangements for Council-owned leisure facilities and Active Communities programmes.

(NOTE: The report contained a ‘not for publication’ appendix that had been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - (1) That authorisation be given to the establishment of a Community Interest Company to deliver active communities programmes on behalf of the Council and to operate Council owned leisure centres, subject to:

(i)         the development of a detailed business case and benefit rationalisation for moving to a Community Interest Company with advice on the optimum timescale and scope of services to minimise overall Council spend on active communities/leisure whilst maximising the impact of interventions to improve levels of physical activity in the Borough.

(ii)       the development of a detailed implementation and transition plan to move from current arrangements to a Community Interest Company at an appropriate time which minimises overall Council spend on active communities/leisure whilst maximising the impact of interventions to improve levels of physical activity in the Borough.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director (Corporate & Support Services) & Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Sustainable Stockport and Resources, Commissioning & Governance to take all action necessary to establish the Community Interest Company and transfer services to the new organisation.