Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 December 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 22 December 2021 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 Interests

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)

No public questions were submitted.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

The following representations have been received:-

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 23, 24 and 25 as these items contained information that was ‘not for publication’.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was ‘not for publication’, the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt information contained within the following items:-

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

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

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

The plan is developed by Cabinet, supported by officers, and is an opportunity to reflect on performance to date and policy priorities for the future.  Priorities in the plan are included by exception.  The plan doesn’t attempt to describe everything the Council does; only those things that are of crucial importance in a specific year.  

The Cabinet is asked to approve the 2021/22 Council Plan for submission to the Budget Council Meeting.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted the Council Plan (copies of which had been circulated) that accompanied the budget and set a high-level framework for decision making throughout the financial year. 

It was reported that the plan was developed by Cabinet, supported by officers, and was an opportunity to reflect on performance to date and policy priorities for the future.  The priorities contained within in the plan were included by exception and it didn’t attempt to describe everything the Council did; only those things that were of crucial importance in a specific year. 

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the draft Council Plan for 2021/22.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide the Scrutiny Committee with the opportunity to comment on an illustrative Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget. The Cabinet will be meeting on 9 February to recommend to Council a HRA budget for 2021/22, including the level of rent and service charges.  The illustrative budget is based on a number of key assumptions set out in the report regarding income from rent and service charges; expenditure commitments contained within the HRA 30 year Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy and indicative spending requirements to support inflationary pressures and identified investment priorities.

This report takes account of the HRA Rent Strategy 2020 - 2025 which was approved by the Cabinet on 20 August 2019.

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

(a)       An increase in the social rent of 1.5% for dwelling rents. There are no individual rents within the HRA stock which are above the rent cap.;

(b)       An increase of 1.1% for rents of shared ownership properties;

(c)       Services charge increases as outlined in Section 3;

(d)       The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen on 0161 474 4631 or email: michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the rent levels and service charges for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and a recommended budget for 2021/22.

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

(a)       An increase in the social rent of 1.5% for dwelling rents. There are no  individual rents within the HRA stock which are above the rent cap.;

(b)       An increase of 1.1% for rents of shared ownership properties;

(c)       Services charge increases as outlined in Section 3 of the report;

(d)          The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 1.

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

The Schools Funding Settlement and Local Funding Formula 2021/22 provides an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2021/22.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(i) Note the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2021/22.

(ii) Approve the construction of the early year’s budget as per section 3.1 to 3.2 and the updated 2021/22 local funding formula for schools as detailed in the table(s) in section 6.2 which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the DfE in accordance with statutory requirements.

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

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Cabinet on key announcements made by the Department for Education on the education funding settlement for 2021/22 and inviting the Cabinet to consider the local funding formula models to be used to determine the individual 2020/21 budgets for early years providers and schools in Stockport.

RESOLVED – (1)  That the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2021/22 be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the construction of the early year’s budget as detailed in section 3.1 to 3.2 and the updated 2021/22 local funding formula for schools as detailed in the table(s) in section 6.2 which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the DfE in accordance with statutory requirements.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide a summary of the Quarter 3 revenue forecast outturn including an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

a)    Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget;

b)   Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 3;

c)    Note the HRA, DSG and Collection Fund forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 3;

d)   Note the latest position on the financial impact of Covid-19;

e)    Note the funding allocation from the Government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund and agree the identified investment areas;

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

g)   Note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 3.

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 submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of the Quarter 3 revenue forecast outturn including an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme.

RESOLVED – That with regard to the 2020/21 Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring Update, the Cabinet has:-

(a)          Approved the virements to the Revenue Budget;

(b)          Noted the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 3;

(c)          Noted the HRA, DSG and Collection Fund forecast positions for 2020/21 as at Quarter 3

(d)          Noted the latest position on the financial impact of Covid-19;

(e)          Noted the funding allocation from the Government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund and agree the identified investment areas;

(f)            Noted the forecast position for the 2020/21 Capital Programme; and

(g)               Noted the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 3.

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

The purpose of the report is to update the Council’s 2021/22 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions as part of setting a robust and resilient budget and financial plan to meet the unprecedented uncertainty, volatility and risk within the financial landscape. 

The Cabinet is recommended to:

1)    Note the details of the 2021/22 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the expected date of the announcement of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement;

2)    Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2021/22 to 2022/23;

3)    Note and approve the indicative budget adjustments since the MTFP Update presented to the Cabinet meeting on 22 December 2020 resulting in savings requirement of  £7.551m in 2021/22;Approve the allocation of £5.511m of the corporate contingency budgets to Cash Limit budgets as part of the budget setting process as set out in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6;

4)    Note the Section 151 Officer recommendation to increase the Council’s General Fund Balance by £4.983m in 2021/22 aligned to his risk assessment of the budget and the adequacy of reserves and balances to support the 2021/22 Budget; and  

5)    Take the necessary steps to propose a final balanced 2021/22 Budget including the proposed Council Tax increase to be recommended for approval at the Council meeting on 25 February 2021.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s 2021/22 to 2022/23 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions as part of setting a robust and resilient budget and financial plan to meet the unprecedented uncertainty, volatility and risk within the financial landscape.

The Leader of the Council stated as the Covid-19 pandemic had progressed and Council services had responded accordingly, there had been a consequent impact on Council budgets which had been a cause of significant concern.  However, following the announcement of a funding package from central government, the outlook was now better that previously expected. Nonetheless, the Leader stated that local government still needed certainty and clarity in the medium term with regard to its finances and it was disappointing that this had not been forthcoming.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance further reported that with regard to 2021/22 the Council was in a relatively stable financial position, however the problem faced by most local authorities was that for 2022/23 there remained many unknowns including whether there would be a long-term funding arrangements for adult social care.

RESOLVED – That having considered an update on the forecasts for the Council’s finances for the period 2021/22 to 2022/23 following the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announced on 17 December 2020, the Cabinet has agreed to:-

·         Note the details of the 2021/22 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the expected date of the announcement of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement;

·         Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts for 2021/22 to 2022/23;

·         Note and approve the indicative budget adjustments since the MTFP Update presented to the Cabinet meeting on 22 December 2020 resulting in savings requirement of  £7.551m in 2021/22;Approve the allocation of £5.511m of the corporate contingency budgets to Cash Limit budgets as part of the budget setting process as set out in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6;

·         Note the Section 151 Officer recommendation to increase the Council’s General Fund Balance by £4.983m in 2021/22 aligned to his risk assessment of the budget and the adequacy of reserves and balances to support the 2021/22 Budget; and 

·         Take the necessary steps to propose a final balanced 2021/22 Budget including the proposed Council Tax increase to be recommended for approval at the Council meeting on 25 February 2021.

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 and Governance.

The purpose of the report is to present the 2021/22 Cabinet Revenue Budget for approval. It also outlines the Council’s financial outlook and significant challenges across the medium term period 2021/22 to 2022/23 as our response and recovery from the pandemic continues. The report highlights the overarching priorities and desired outcomes upon which the Cabinet has based its budget proposals, and which form the basis of the updated Council Plan included elsewhere on this agenda.

The Cabinet is recommended to ask the Council Meeting to:

·         Approve the Budget for 2021/22 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

·         Note the risk assessment of the 2021/22 Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix 5;

·         Approve the required increase to the Council’s General Fund Balance to reflect the Section 151 Officer assessment of risks;

·         Note, comment upon and approve the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2021/22 to 2022/23  at Appendix 6, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

·         Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 3.5% in 2021/22 (2% General increase and 1.5% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 7; and

·         Approve the commitment to increase the Adult Social Care Precept by a further 1.5% in 2022/23 by taking up the option to defer an element of the allowable increase in 2021/22 smoothed by the use of available one-off resources held in earmarked reserves.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the 2021/22 Cabinet Revenue Budget for approval. It also outlined the Council’s financial outlook and significant challenges across the medium term period 2021/22 to 2022/23 as the response and recovery from the pandemic continued. The report highlighted the overarching priorities and desired outcomes upon which the Cabinet has based its budget proposals, and which formed the basis of the updated Council Plan.

The Leader of the Council stated that the administration had set out values to deliver for the people of Stockport whilst remaining committed to protecting the front line services that residents relied on.  The Leader emphasised the mechanisms through which change had been delivered, including though Viaduct Housing to deliver affordable homes,  the Mayoral Development Corporation to drive regeneration in the town centre and the Stockport Local Fund to invest in communities.

The following comments were then made:-

·         Sustainable frameworks and mechanisms had been put in place to deliver long-lasting change.

·         The capital programme would be used to deliver more affordable homes and to invest in local and district centres.

·         There had not been a medium term plan from government to put local government on a sustainable financial footing to allow councils to plan properly for the future.

·         There needed to be reform to the social care system to ensure that its finances were properly supported.

·         Disappointment was expressed that the government had calculated councils’ core spending power on the back of local government pay freezes.

·         It was noted that local authorities had lost 40% of their spending power since 2010.

·         Stockport Council was one of only four councils in the North West that was not proposing to increase the level of Council Tax by the maximum 5%.  However, the Cabinet deeply regretted any need to raise Council Tax at all.

·         Over 700 libraries had been closed nationally, whereas the proposals in Stockport were to invest in library services.

·         There needed to be a better understanding of the breadth of services offered by the Council.

·         There would be continued investment in the third sector.

·         Through the Stockport Local Fund it was proposed to have funding available to allow communities to create memorials to those lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

·          

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

·         Approve the Budget for 2021/22 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

·         Note the risk assessment of the 2021/22 Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates included at Appendix 5;

·         Approve the required increase to the Council’s General Fund Balance to reflect the Section 151 Officer assessment of risks;

·         Note, comment upon and approve the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2021/22 to 2022/23  at Appendix 6, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

·         Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 3.5% in 2021/22 (2% General increase and 1.5% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 7; and

·         Approve the commitment to increase the Adult Social Care Precept by a further 1.5% in 2022/23 by taking up the option to defer an element of the allowable increase in 2021/22 smoothed by the use of available one-off resources held in earmarked reserves.

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

The report proposes the 2021/22 Capital Strategy and Capital Programme, which are written in accordance with the CIPFA Prudential Code.

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

The report includes the 2021/22 to 2023/24 Capital Programme and sets out the prudential indicators, which demonstrate that the Council’s capital investment plans are affordable, prudent, and sustainable.  In addition, future plans in key areas of major capital investment have been included.

Cabinet is recommended to ask the Council Meeting to approve:

·         The Capital Strategy at Appendix one;

·         The 2021/22 to 2023/24 Capital Programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix two; and,

·         The prudential indicators set out in Appendix three.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider its proposed 2021/22 Capital Strategy and Capital Programme that aimed to provide a framework for the Council’s capital investment plans, ensuring effective planning, option appraisal, risk management, and governance processes.

The report included the 2021/22 to 2023/24 Capital Programme and set out the prudential indicators, which demonstrated that the Council’s capital investment plans are affordable, prudent, and sustainable.  In addition, future plans in key areas of major capital investment had been included.

It was reported that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic had meant there had been a consequent impact on the progress against the Capital Programme, however the outstanding balance had been repurposed for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Capital Strategy and Capital Programme 2021/22, the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-

·         The Capital Strategy at Appendix one;

·         The 2021/22 to 2023/24 Capital Programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix two; and,

·         The prudential indicators set out in Appendix three.

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

This comprehensive report proposes the 2021/22 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, which are constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

The Council has delegated the role of ensuring effective scrutiny of its Treasury Management Strategy to the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee (CRMG).  As such, the views of CRMG were sought and any opinions or suggestions made have been taken into account when formulating the Council's Treasury Management Strategies for 2021/22.

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

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2021/22;

·         The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         The Treasury Management Strategy 2021/22;The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2021/22-2023/24;

·         The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2021/22

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 and Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed 2021/22 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2021/2 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2021/22;

·         The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

·         The Treasury Management Strategy 2021/22;The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2021/22-2023/24;

·         The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2021/22.

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

This report covers how partners across Stockport have approached the development of a shared borough plan, including an overview of the insight which has informed the development of the priorities, and introduces a draft borough plan for cabinet consideration. The draft plan has been shared across Stockport partners, including with scrutiny and area committees. The draft plan (appendix.1) is also accompanied by a full engagement report (appendix.2) and an equality impact assessment (appendix.3).

The Cabinet is asked to approve the One Stockport Borough Plan for submission to the Budget Council Meeting.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted the One Stockport Borough Plan (copies of which had been circulated) that detailed how partners across Stockport had approached the development of a shared borough plan, including an overview of the insight which had informed the development of the priorities, and introduced a draft borough plan for cabinet consideration. The draft plan had been shared across Stockport partners, including with scrutiny and area committees.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt the draft One Stockport Borough Plan.

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

The report sets out the proposed disposal of Bredbury Green Civic Hall to Mosscare St. Vincent’s (member of Stockport Housing Partnership) for the development of a residential facility for people with a learning disability.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(a)       Approve the conveyance of the site of the Bredbury Green Civic Hall to Mosscare St Vincent’s for the development of a residential facility approved by the Councils Adult Social Care and Strategic Housing Departments. Such disposal to be at nominal consideration having had regard to the provisions as set out in paragraph 5 of this report  

(b)       Agree that any conveyance to be subject to the grant of planning consent and any other terms which the Councils Legal Officer considers appropriate.   Such terms to include a restriction on the alternative use of the scheme.

Officer Contact: Ian Keyte on 0161 217 6907 or email: ian.keyte@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the proposed disposal of Bredbury Green Civic Hall to Mosscare St. Vincent’s (member of Stockport Housing Partnership) for the development of a residential facility for people with a learning disability.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the conveyance of the site of the Bredbury Green Civic Hall to Mosscare St Vincent’s for the development of a residential facility approved by the Councils Adult Social Care and Strategic Housing Departments and that such disposal to be at nominal consideration having had regard to the provisions as set out in paragraph 5 of this report 

(2) That it be agreed that any conveyance to be subject to the grant of planning consent and any other terms which the Councils Legal Officer considers appropriate and that such terms to include a restriction on the alternative use of the scheme.

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

This report provides a brief introduction to the government guidance in relation to homelessness and the background to how local partners have been addressing the issues over the past 5 years. A Homelessness Review was conducted in 2020 and the report of the findings is included as Appendix B.

The Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021-2024 identifies the key remaining and emerging challenges and explains how the new strategy will address these by focussing the action plan around the following key themes:

1.         Access to Affordable Accommodation

2.         Prevention and Relief of Homelessness

3.         Improving the health of people who are homeless

4.         Meeting complex and multiple needs

5.         Tackling Rough Sleeping

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021-2024 as detailed in the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Council’s requirement to formulate and publish a homelessness strategy based on the results of a review of homelessness in the district.  Stockport’s current Homelessness Prevention Strategy was published in 2016 and was due to come to an end in March 2021. The proposed new strategy presented as part of the report would replace the existing strategy and further outlined the measures the local authority and its partners would take until 2024.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the adoption of the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021-2024 and associated action plan as detailed in the report.

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

Under Part 6 of the 1996 Housing Act all local authorities are obliged to have a published housing allocation policy that explains how they will allocate their housing stock, including who qualifies to apply, how households with be prioritised and the processes to be used.

To facilitate the priorities within the Housing Strategy 2021-2024 and Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2021-2024, the Councils’ Allocation Policy has been reviewed. The policy details how the Councils’ commitment to meeting housing needs may be achieved by making best use of existing stock through supporting existing tenants to move through mutual exchanges, and continuing to utilise options such as shared tenancies for young people.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the proposed new Housing Allocation Policy as detailed at appendix 1 to the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a draft housing allocation policy that explained how the Council intended to allocate its housing stock, including who qualified to apply, how households would be prioritised and the processes to be used.

To facilitate the priorities within the Housing Strategy 2021-2024 and Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2021-2024, the Councils’ Allocation Policy has been reviewed. The policy details how the Councils’ commitment to meeting housing needs may be achieved by making best use of existing stock through supporting existing tenants to move through mutual exchanges, and continuing to utilise options such as shared tenancies for young people.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the proposed new Housing Allocation Policy as detailed at appendix 1 to the report.

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

This report outlines the commissioning proposals and 2021/22 fee setting for the most significant areas of externally commissioned service provision for adults with care needs: Care Homes in Stockport; Home Support to enable people to live in their homes for longer; Day Care Services and Learning Disability Services. This report also considers the impact and pressures the Covid 19 pandemic has placed upon the care sector.

The report is designed to be considered in the context of budget setting proposals and is intended to clarify the fee changes position for 2020/21 to allow for early implementation at the start of the financial year. This will provide financial certainty to the market and support care providers with their cash flow. It will also prevent internal inefficiency caused by the need to make back payments as well as conforming to good commissioning and procurement practices.

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

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

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the 2021/22 fee setting recommendations for the most significant areas of externally commissioned services within Adult Social Care.

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

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

This report provides an update on the progress of developing the A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Scheme including the consultation process, development of the schemes and development of the outline business case.  This report will recommend that approval to submit the outline business case and subsequent final business case and requests the necessary approvals for the implementation of this plan will be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the package of recommendations detailed in Section 7 of the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of developing the A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Scheme including the consultation process, development of the schemes and development of the outline business case. 

RESOLVED – That with regard to the A34 Major Road Network Corridor Improvement Scheme, the Cabinet has:-

(1) Noted the findings of the consultation and agree to the further  development of the schemes as recommended in the report.

(2) Approved the approach to the development and submission of the outline business case and subsequent full business case.

(3) Delegated to the Section 151 Officer, the Corporate Director Place in consultation with Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration), the authority to approve the Outline Business Case and the full business  case

(4) Agreed that if funding is secured from the DfT to progress to the next stage of development that:-

(i)            Agreement be given to authorise officers to enter into negotiations with affected landowners to secure the necessary land by agreement.

(ii)          Authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to enter into agreement with the landowners for temporary access rights and purchase the land necessary to construct the scheme.

(iii)         Agreement in principle be given 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;

(iv)         Agreement be given 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;

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

(vi)         Approval be given for officers to develop and consult on the Traffic Regulation  Orders to support the schemes and their construction.

(vii)        Approval be given for officers develop and submit the necessary planning applications.

(viii)      Approval be given to the delegation of all matters relating to the DfT grant offer and its terms, and any implications for the Scheme and the agreement with DfT to the Corporate Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member Economy and Regeneration 

(ix)         Authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) to approve the final schemes and their construction programme following  approval of the final business cases.

(x)               Approval be given for the Council underwriting the local contribution and if required, makes up the shortfall in funding.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive.

The report sets out the progress that has been made on the development of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan following a public consultation on proposals that were developed pre-COVID-19 and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

1)    Note the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

2)    Note the next steps for the development of the Clean Air Plan and Minimum Licensing Standards, listed at Section 12;

3)    Note the distribution of Bus Retrofit funding commenced in December 2020;

4)    Note that Government ministers have agreed to consider extending Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges to the sections of the A628/A57 which form part of the Strategic Road Network, within the proposed CAZ boundary, subject to the outcomes of an assessment, which is expected to be completed by early 2021;

5)    Note that the GM Clean Air Plan is required to take action tackle nitrogen dioxide exceedances until compliance with the legal limits has been demonstrated and that the nearer term influence of COVID-19 on air quality is not expected to lead to sufficiently long term reductions in pollution such that the exceedances of the legal limits of nitrogen dioxide will not occur without implementing a Clean Air Zone;

6)    Note that the GM CAP final plan will be brought forward for decision makers as soon as is reasonably practicable and no later than summer 2021;

7)    Note that the outputs of the MLS will be reported alongside the GM CAP as soon as is reasonably practicable and no later than summer 2021;

8)    Agree to the establishment of joint committees and to delegate to those committees the Authority’s functions as set out in report at paragraph 10.5 with specific terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 6.Appoint the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air to sit on both committees for the purposes as set out in this report at paragraph 10.5 with specific terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 6.

9)    Note the requirement for the appointment of a further Cabinet Member as substitute for both committees for purposes as set out in this report at paragraph 10.5 with specific terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 6.

10)Stockport Council agrees to enter into a collaboration agreement with the other 9 GM local authorities and GMCA/TfGM to clarify amongst other matters the rights, responsibilities and obligations of the authorities in relation to those contracts set out in Appendix 2 that are required to maintain delivery momentum in line with JAQU funding agreements.

11)Agree a delegation to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy  Chief Executive in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air and Director of Public Health to agree the final form of the collaboration agreement; and

12)Agree a delegation to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air and Director of Public Health to award the contracts set out in Appendix 2 (subject to government funding) that are required to implement a charging Clean Air Zone in Spring 2022 to ensure the achievement of Nitrogen Dioxide compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2024 at the latest as required by the Ministerial Direction.

13)Agree a delegation to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) and Monitoring Officer to make any consequential amendments to the Constitution with regard to, but not limited to, the incorporation of the joint committees’ terms of reference into Stockport Council’s Constitution.

14)Note that the matter will be referred to a future meeting of the Council Meeting with specific reference to the entering into of joint arrangements with other authorities.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on Tel: 474 4351  ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made on the development of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan following a public consultation on proposals that were developed pre-COVID-19 and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health reported that there were proposals related to governance contained within the report and that as such the Cabinet wished to confirm that as such the matter would be remitted to an extraordinary meeting of the Council Meeting in early March 2021 following consultation with the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That with regard to the Clean Air and Minimum Licensing Standards Update, the Cabinet has has:-

(1)       Noted the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

(2)       Noted the next steps for the development of the Clean Air Plan and Minimum Licensing Standards, listed at Section 12;

(3)       Noted the distribution of Bus Retrofit funding commenced in December 2020;

(4)       Noted that Government ministers have agreed to consider extending Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges to the sections of the A628/A57 which form part of the Strategic Road Network, within the proposed CAZ boundary, subject to the outcomes of an assessment, which is expected to be completed by early 2021;

(5)       Noted that the GM Clean Air Plan is required to take action tackle nitrogen dioxide exceedances until compliance with the legal limits has been demonstrated and that the nearer term influence of COVID-19 on air quality is not expected to lead to sufficiently long term reductions in pollution such that the exceedances of the legal limits of nitrogen dioxide will not occur without implementing a Clean Air Zone;

(6)       Noted that the GM CAP final plan will be brought forward for decision makers as soon as is reasonably practicable and no later than summer 2021;

(7)       Noted that the outputs of the MLS will be reported alongside the GM CAP as soon as is reasonably practicable and no later than summer 2021;

(8)       Agreed to the establishment of joint committees and to delegate to those committees the Authority’s functions as set out in report at paragraph 10.5 with specific terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 6.Appoint the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air to sit on both committees for the purposes as set out in this report at paragraph 10.5 with specific terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 6.

(9)       Noted the requirement for the appointment of a further Cabinet Member as substitute for both committees for purposes as set out in this report at paragraph 10.5 with specific terms of reference, as set out in Appendix 6.

(10)    Stockport Council agrees to enter into a collaboration agreement with the other 9 GM local authorities and GMCA/TfGM to clarify amongst other matters the rights, responsibilities and obligations of the authorities in relation to those contracts set out in Appendix 2 that are required to maintain delivery momentum in line with JAQU funding agreements.

(11)    Agreed a delegation to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy  Chief Executive in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air and Director of Public Health to agree the final form of the collaboration agreement; and

(12)    Agreed a delegation to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air and Director of Public Health to award the contracts set out in Appendix 2 (subject to government funding) that are required to implement a charging Clean Air Zone in Spring 2022 to ensure the achievement of Nitrogen Dioxide compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2024 at the latest as required by the Ministerial Direction.

(13)    Agreed a delegation to the Strategic Head  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

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 18 December 2020.

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

damian.eaton@stockport.gov.uk 

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA at its meeting on 18 December 2020.

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were no recommendations to consider.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport.

This report provides an update on the progress to date in bringing forward the redevelopment of St Thomas’ Gardens, in particular the Academy of Living Well, and seeks approval for the Council to commit to the next stage of design and construction.

(NOTE: The report contains ‘not for publication’ appendices that have been circulated to members of the Scrutiny Committee only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Endorse the progress to date in bringing forward this key regeneration scheme for Stockport MDC and the wider Borough and approve the proposal to progress the design, undertake further survey works and commence enabling works.  

(2) Approve the outline business case for the Academy of Living Well.

(3) Delegate Authority to the Director of Adult Services in consultation with Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health to undertake a procurement for the provision of services within the Academy of Living Well.

(4) Delegate Authority to the Corporate Director (Place) and the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Resources, Commissioning, & Governance, Housing and Communities and Adult Care and Health:

a)         To appoint a preferred contractor for the delivery of the Academy of Living Well, negotiate a contract sum up to the figure stated in paragraph 1.1 of Appendix 1 and finalise the terms of any appointments, contracts and other documentation required to deliver of the Academy of Living Well

b)        To approve any property documentation necessary to enable delivery of the affordable housing

(5) Approve the proposed financing of the Academy of Living Well including prudential borrowing as set out in Appendix 1

(6) 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 and to complete the necessary legal documents to implement the recommendations of this report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress to date in bringing forward the redevelopment of St Thomas’ Gardens, in particular the Academy of Living Well, and seeking approval for the Council to commit to the next stage of design and construction.

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

RESOLVED – That having considered an update on progress to date in bringing forward the redevelopment of St Thomas’ Gardens, the Cabinet has:-

(1) Endorsed the progress to date in bringing forward this key regeneration scheme for Stockport MDC and the wider Borough and approve the proposal to progress the design, undertake further survey works and commence enabling works. 

(2) Approved the outline business case for the Academy of Living Well.

(3) Delegated authority to the Director of Adult Services in consultation with Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health to undertake a procurement for the provision of services within the Academy of Living Well.

(4) Delegated authority to the Corporate Director (Place) and the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Resources, Commissioning, & Governance, Housing and Communities and Adult Care and Health:

(a)  To appoint a preferred contractor for the delivery of the Academy of Living Well, negotiate a contract sum up to the figure stated in paragraph 1.1 of Appendix 1 and finalise the terms of any appointments, contracts and other documentation required to deliver of the Academy of Living Well.

(b)  To approve any property documentation necessary to enable delivery of the affordable housing

(5) Approved the proposed financing of the Academy of Living Well including prudential borrowing as set out in Appendix 1

(6) 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 and to complete the necessary legal documents to implement the recommendations of this report.

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

The report sets out progress on the speculative development of Stockport Exchange Phase 4, which comprises office and Multi-Storey Car Park developments with associated public realm. The report also sets out a proposal to close a portion of the temporary car park to deliver the required land to construct Stockport Exchange 4 and to relocate occupiers to other town centre car parks during the construction of the Multi-Storey Car Park.

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

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Approve that the Council proceeds with Phase 4 of the Stockport Exchange development, namely the construction of an office block, MSCP and associated public realm, on the basis outlined in this report and its appendices;

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

(a)  to finalise the terms and to enter into all appropriate agreements to enable the construction, funding, operation and use of such developments comprising Phase 4;

(b)  to take such actions necessary to relocate existing Stockport Exchange tenant parking requirements to alternative town centre car parks during the construction of Phase 4;

(c)  to take such actions as are necessary to progress Phase 4 to a successful completion, including agreeing terms with future occupational tenants and entering into such documents as are necessary to effect such terms.

 (3) 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 submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out progress on the speculative development of Stockport Exchange Phase 4, which comprised office and Multi-Storey Car Park developments with associated public realm. The report also set out a proposal to close a portion of the temporary car park to deliver the required land to construct Stockport Exchange 4 and to relocate occupiers to other town centre car parks during the construction of the Multi-Storey Car Park.

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

RESOLVED – That with regard to Stockport Exchange Phase 4, the Cabinet has:-

(1) Approved that the Council proceeds with Phase 4 of the Stockport Exchange development, namely the construction of an office block, MSCP and associated public realm, on the basis outlined in this report and its appendices;

(2) Delegated authority to  the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate & Support Services) in consultation with Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance and Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration:

(a)   to finalise the terms and to enter into all appropriate agreements to enable the construction, funding, operation and use of such developments comprising Phase 4;

(b)   to take such actions necessary to relocate existing Stockport Exchange tenant parking requirements to alternative town centre car parks during the construction of Phase 4;

(c)    to take such actions as are necessary to progress Phase 4 to a successful completion, including agreeing terms with future occupational tenants and entering into such documents as are necessary to effect such terms.

(3) 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.

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

(NOTE: This item comprises a ‘not for publication’ report that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

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

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress to establish a new Community Interest Company to deliver active communities programmes and operate Council-owned leisure centres.

(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 recommendations and associated  delegations contained in the ‘not for publication’ report.