Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 June and 20 July 2021.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 29 June and 20 July 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.

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 on the card provided.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

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

One public question was submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to when the Stockport Climate Action Now Plan would be updated to include measurable targets and milestones.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that there was an overall target within the plan to become carbon neutral by 2038 and that since the declaration of a climate emergency by the Council Meeting significant progress had been made including around tree planting; securing funding for solar schemes on council owned buildings in the town centre; and investing in public transport and in cycling and walking schemes.  It was stated that the Council had also introduced environmental impact assessments for all projects to ensure climate was embedded in every decision.  It was confirmed that a new Head of Climate Action Now had been appointed which hit was hoped would accelerate action and was a reflection of the importance the council attached to this issue.

To consider a report of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Panel have held four meetings to carry out a review on Stockport’s current policies and procedures for School Streets and Playstreets. Officers have researched and gathered extensive material from various sources including other local authorities (LAs) and outside organisations.

The panel heard evidence from representatives from a range of groups including Leeds City Council, www.playingout.net, Mums for Lungs, and meetings were held with officers from Wigan, Tameside and Manchester Council that also supplied evidence of their schemes. All 10 Greater Manchester boroughs were approached to supply benchmarking data on their position with both schemes.

The report outlines the key findings of this review and aims to give recommendations for the future of both play streets and School Streets schemes in Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to consider the report and consider how it might respond to the report’s findings and recommendations.

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

The Lead Councillor for the Review (Councillor Adrian Nottingham) presented the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel – ‘The Council's Policy for Active streets, School Streets and Play streets’ (copies of which had been circulated).  The Chair of the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Mark Roberts) also attended the meeting to respond to questions from councillors and to address the meeting in relation to the review.

The Chair of the Review Panel extended his thanks to those officers that supported the review. 

It was commented that there were a number of interrelated issues that had been raised by scrutiny committees, area committee and the Council Meeting and that these would be drawn together to provide a co-ordinated approach to those issues, including those raised as part of this review.

RESOLVED - (1) That Corporate Director (Place) & Deputy Chief Executive be requested to prepare a response to the “The Council's Policy for Active streets, School Streets and Play Streets” Scrutiny Review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘The Council's Policy for Active streets, School Streets and Play Streets” and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services).

The purpose of the report is to outline the outcomes of the review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2021/22 to 2023/24. The report details the outcome of the MTFP Update, highlighting the continuing financial scarring impacts as a result of the pandemic and the adjustments needed to the existing MTFP forecasts and assumptions in order to present the most accurate forecast of the Council’s financial position and saving requirement over the medium term period.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

1)    Note the outcomes of the MTFP Update including the continuing financial scarring impacts of the pandemic and the highlighted changes to the MTFP forecasts and assumptions approved in February;

2)    Approve the forecast and assumption adjustments as a result of the MTFP Update outlined in the report;

3)    Note that the Council’s savings requirement has reduced to £20.170m in 2022/23 rising to £34.185m in 2023/24 as a result of the adjustment highlighted and subject to further review and updates during the financial year;

4)    Note that due to the significant uncertainty, volatility and risk of the financial landscape the assessment of the MTFP forecasts and assumptions will continue to be iterative with further updates to the MTFP reported to Cabinet as part of the 2022/23 budget setting process;

5)    Approve the recommended cap of £20m on the use of reserves to support the Council’s continuing response and recovery from the financial scarring impacts of the pandemic over the medium term period; and

6)    Approve the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the Council’s 2022/23 Budget and MTFP.

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

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councilllor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcomes of the of the review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2021/22 to 2023/24 including the continuing financial scarring impacts as a result of the pandemic and the adjustments needed to the existing MTFP forecasts and assumptions in order to present the most accurate forecast of the Council’s financial position and saving requirement over the medium term period.

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

(1) Noted the outcomes of the MTFP Update including the continuing financial scarring impacts of the pandemic and the highlighted changes to the MTFP forecasts and assumptions approved in February;

(2) Approved the forecast and assumption adjustments as a result of the MTFP Update outlined in the report;

(3) Noted that the Council’s savings requirement has reduced to £20.170m in 2022/23 rising to £34.185m in 2023/24 as a result of the adjustment highlighted and subject to further review and updates during the financial year;

(4) Noted that due to the significant uncertainty, volatility and risk of the financial landscape the assessment of the MTFP forecasts and assumptions will continue to be iterative with further updates to the MTFP reported to Cabinet as part of the 2022/23 budget setting process;

(5) Approved the recommended cap of £20m on the use of reserves to support the Council’s continuing response and recovery from the financial scarring impacts of the pandemic over the medium term period; and

(6) Approved the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the Council’s 2022/23 Budget and MTFP.

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

Within this report we outline our approach to responding to the opportunities, challenges and uncertainty outlined within the review of the medium-term financial plan. Our focus remains on progressing our collective ambitions for Stockport by delivering impactful and outcomes-focussed transformational change for communities and businesses across Stockport. However, we have long recognised that a resilient budget is key to this by enabling us to face and respond to the unprecedented uncertainty ahead.

This report builds on previous updates to scrutiny and cabinet providing the latest considerations on how we intend to address financial and demand challenges, enable longer term transformation and shared ambitions.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

1)    Note the approach and endorse the next steps, including agreeing to share with scrutiny, for comment, the proposals which support a resilient and sustainable MTFP; and

2)    Support the ongoing development of our council transformation programme.

Officer contact: Holly Rae on 07800 617 550 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councilllor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider its proposed approach to responding to the opportunities, challenges and uncertainty outlined within the review of the medium-term financial plan.

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

(1) Noted the approach and endorsed the next steps, including agreeing to share with scrutiny, for comment, the proposals which supported a resilient and sustainable MTFP; and

(2) Supported the ongoing development of our council transformation programme.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods

This report provides a summary of key achievements since the publication of the 2018 Stockport Armed Forces Covenant priorities and introduces our draft Covenant priorities for 2021-2024. The report includes:-

·         Background to the Armed Forces Covenant, including the purpose of the local covenants;

·         A summary of key achievements since the publication of our previous Stockport Armed Forces Covenant priorities in 2018;

·         Draft priorities for 2021-2024

The Cabinet is invited to

·         Comment on and endorse the priorities set out in the Stockport Armed Forces Covenant 2021-2024;

·         Comment on and endorse the Council’s intention to work towards the Gold award of the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Officer contact: Kirsteen Roe on 0161 474 3376  or  email: kirsteen.roe@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of key achievements since the publication of the 2018 Stockport Armed Forces Covenant priorities and introducing the draft Covenant priorities for 2021-2024.

RESOLVED -  (1) That the priorities set out in the Stockport Armed Forces Covenant 2021-2024 be endorsed.

(2) That the Council’s intention to work towards the Gold award of the Employer Recognition Scheme be endorsed.

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

The report provides a brief overview of the proposed Greater Manchester Streets for All Strategy that has been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester as part of the 2040 Greater Manchester Transport Strategy.

The Cabinet is recommended to review and endorse the Streets for All Strategy prior to consideration by GMCA in September.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a brief overview of the proposed Greater Manchester Streets for All Strategy that had been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester as part of the 2040 Greater Manchester Transport Strategy.

RESOLVED - That the proposed Greater Manchester Streets for All Strategy that has been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester as part of the 2040 Greater Manchester Transport Strategy be approved and endorsed prior to its consideration and adoption by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in September 2021.

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

The report details a draft Zero-Emission Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (ZEVCI) Interim Policy Statement has been produced to set out how the Council and partners will seek to deliver ZEVCI in the borough. This will act as a supporting document to the wider GM EVCI Strategy which is has been produced by TfGM.

The Cabinet is recommended to comment on and give approval to the Interim Policy Statement.

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) that detailed a draft Zero-Emission Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (ZEVCI) Interim Policy Statement  that set out how the Council and partners would seek to deliver ZEVCI in the borough.

It was commented that as part of the strategy, priority would be given to the siting of electric vehicle charging points within existing car parks rather than occupy space on the pavement and introducing a potential conflict with pedestrians.  It was further stated that there needed to be a more equal distribution of charging points across the borough to ensure they did not become concentrated in the town centre.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the draft Zero-Emission Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (ZEVCI) Interim Policy Statement that set out how the Council and partners would seek to deliver ZEVCI in the borough.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health, Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance

The purpose of this report is to share a final draft of Stockport’s One Health and Care Plan with Members.  The plan has been developed over the course of the past 8 months and is one of a suite of documents that will support the delivery of the One Stockport Borough Plan.

The plan has been developed jointly by Stockport Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group and the Foundation Trust and brings together the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Population Health Plan and the Locality Plan into one cohesive document.

The Cabinet is recommended to consider and endorse the information attached and provide feedback in relation to the draft One Health and Care Plan, which will come back to the Health and Wellbeing Board for sign off, on 13 October 2021.

Officer Contact: Kathryn Rees on 0161 474 3174 or email: kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Adult Care & Health; Children, Family Services & Education; and Resources, Commissioning & Governance (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the final draft of Stockport’s One Health and Care Plan.

A discussion took place in relation to the ongoing health inequalities in the borough and that the at the heart of this plan were proposals to address some of these issues.

RESOLVED – That the final draft of Stockport’s One Health and Care Plan be endorsed and noted that it would be subject to final approval by the Health and Wellbeing Board at its meeting on 13 October 2021.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health, Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a proposal for establishing a shadow locality board to oversee the development of the locality arrangements in Stockport that are fit for purpose to operate from 1 April 2022 within the Constitution of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, and as part of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to:-

·         The establishment of the shadow locality system board to oversee the development of the locality arrangements in Stockport that are fit for purpose to operate from 1 April 2022 within the Constitution of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, and as part of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System. To agree the name of the shadow board as the One Health and Care Shadow Locality Board with the functions and membership as set out in section 7.1.

·         The establishment of an Executive Group to support the shadow Board as outlined in section 7.2.

·         The establishment of 5 sub-groups to drive forward the work required to build the capabilities to meet locality arrangements as set out in section 7.3.

Officer Contact: Kathryn Rees on 0161 474 3174 or email: kathryn.rees@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Adult Care & Health; Children, Family Services & Education; and Resources, Commissioning & Governance (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for establishing a shadow locality board to oversee the development of the locality arrangements in Stockport that are fit for purpose to operate from 1 April 2022 within the Constitution of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, and as part of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System. 

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:-

·       The establishment of the shadow locality system board to oversee the development of the locality arrangements in Stockport that are fit for purpose to operate from 1 April 2022 within the Constitution of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, and as part of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System. To agree the name of the shadow board as the One Health and Care Shadow Locality Board with the functions and membership as set out in section 7.1.

·       The establishment of an Executive Group to support the shadow Board as outlined in section 7.2.

·       The establishment of 5 sub-groups to drive forward the work required to build the capabilities to meet locality arrangements as set out in section 7.3.

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

The report provides an update on complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2020/21 municipal year.

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

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or by email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on complaints received about the conduct of members during the 2020/21 municipal year.

A discussion took place in relation to the difficulties that many members faced with regard to the use of social media, and specifically the right of members to challenge inappropriate behaviour.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report details the proposed business programme for 2022/23.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting gives approval to the proposed business programme for 2022/23.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or by email: vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed business programme for 2022/23.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the proposed business programme for 2022/23.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council

The Cabinet is invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 25 June 2021.

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA at its meeting on 25 June 2021.

RESOLVED – That the decisions be noted.

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

The report provides an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of July 2021 (Quarter 1+). The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account 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 2021/22 as at Quarter 1+;

c)    Note the HRA and DSG forecast positions for 2021/22 as at Quarter 1+;

d)   Note the forecast position for the 2021/22 Capital Programme; and

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

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of July 2021 (Quarter 1+) which included an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and updates to the Capital Programme

RESOLVED – (1) That the virements to the Revenue Budget be approved.

(2) That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2021/22 as at Quarter 1+ be noted.

(3) That the HRA and DSG forecast positions for 2021/22 as at Quarter 1+ be noted.

(4) That the forecast position for the 2021/22 Capital Programme be noted.

(5) That the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 1+ be noted.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide an update of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2020/21 outturn position

The report needs to be read in conjunction with the Medium Term Financial Plan Update and Cabinet Response – Responding to Our Medium Term Financial Plan reports presented elsewhere on this agenda.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         Note the annual review of Council’s 2021/22 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

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

·         Approve the proposed 2021/22 Reserves Policy.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2021/21 outturn position.

RESOLVED – (1) That the annual review of Council’s 2021/22 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the creation and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts.

(3) That approval be given to the proposed 2021/22 Reserves Policy.

On:-

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

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were no recommendations to consider.