Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 15 March 2022 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 interest were declared:-

Personal Interest

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

Officer

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

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair and Cabinet Members on any matters within the powers and duties of the Cabinet, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.  (Questions must be submitted no later than 3 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions)

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

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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 (Councillor Mark Hunter) invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda items 18-22 as they contained information that was ‘not for publication’ within its appendices.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest, would not be fair and would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item in the eventuality it was necessary to discuss the information contained within the ‘not for publication’ appendices:-

To consider a report of the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee.

The report details the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee in respect to the Access to Health Services and the proposed recommendations.

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

Officer contact: Ben Fryer at ben.fryer@stockport.gov.uk

Councillor Angie Clark presented the final report of the Scrutiny Review into Access to Health Services (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the timeliness of the review.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Director of Public Health be requested to prepare a response to the “Access to Health Services” 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 ‘Access to Health Services’ and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.

The report details the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Review Panel's review of Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic, and sets out the panel's key findings and recommendations to Cabinet.

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

Contact officer: Helen Walters on 0161 474 3734 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk 

The Chair of the Economy & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Oliver Johnstone) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel – ‘Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic’ (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council reiterated the importance of Stockport’s district centres and that the ongoing and much-needed investment in the town centre should not be at the expense of the districts.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) stated that there was consensus around the Council on the value of the district centres and that residents had shown a strong desire to support local traders.  It was noted that while the district centres had vacancy rates below the national average with a diverse range of independent retailers, there remained issues that needed to be addressed.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Director of Place Management be requested to prepare a response to the “Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic” 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 ‘Stockport's district centres post covid-19 pandemic’ and others involved in the Review.

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

The report sets out updates needed to the Skid Resistance Policy Statement for highways in response to national guidance.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·         approve the Skid Resistance Policy Statement and to delegate approval of minor amendments to the policy in response to national guidance to the Director for Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services.

·         Adopt the Greater Manchester(GM) framework for the way we will deliver our Skid Resistance in line with the rest of GM.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a series of updates needed to the Skid Resistance Policy Statement for highways in response to national guidance.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the Skid Resistance Policy Statement and to delegate approval of minor amendments to the policy in response to national guidance to the Director for Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services.

(2) That approval be given to the Greater Manchester (GM) framework for the delivery of Skid Resistance in line with the rest of GM.

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

The report provides details relating to the background and context information relating to the Integrated Care Systems (ICS), including the opportunities for Stockport, the Greater Manchester ICS Model, Stockport’s transition work and the emerging Stockport integrated health and care model.

The report also provides a further update and describes the opportunities afforded by the new legislation; highlights the progress and recommendations made by the Shadow Locality Board and its constituent working groups; highlights the progress made at Greater Manchester level; and provides an overview of the future direction of Stockport’s Locality arrangements.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve and endorse the recommendations proposed by the People and Communities Subgroup (Appendix 1).

(2) Agree that the Council vary (prior to 1 July 2022) the existing Section 75 agreement between the CCG and SMBC to pool only the Better Care Fund (BCF), Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) in 2022/22 which is the “minimum legal requirement”.

(3) Agree that the Council enter into a MoU to formally document resources and funding contributions transacted between the CCG and SMBC which are pooled under the existing Section 75 agreement but will not be pooled if only BCF, iBCF and DFG resources are pooled.

(4) Agree that a Section 75 Committee be established to sit within, alongside or outside (to be confirmed) the Locality Board in order to administer and be the decision-making body for the Section 75 agreement from 1 July 2022. This committee could take the form of the existing Health and Care Integrated Commissioning Board (HCICB) subject to arrangements being put in place to amend the name of the committee, its membership (only noting the necessary change that any Members representing the CCG will become Members representing the ICS) and its terms of reference.

(5) Agree that the Locality Board jointly considers aligned budgets as well as the Section 75 Pooled Budgets.

(6)  Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and/or the Director of Strategy and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) to do such things as are necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above recommendations.

Officer contact: Laura Mercer on 0161 218 1799 or email: laura.mercer@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing background and context information relating to the Integrated Care Systems (ICS), including the opportunities for Stockport, the Greater Manchester ICS Model, Stockport’s transition work and the emerging Stockport integrated health and care model.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) stated that he would be chairing the new locality board as part of a collective determination to make the new arrangements work in the interests of the residents of Stockport.

RESOLVED - (1) That the recommendations proposed by the People and Communities Subgroup (Appendix 1) be approved and endorsed.

(2) That it be agreed that the Council vary (prior to 1 July 2022) the existing Section 75 agreement between the CCG and SMBC to pool only the Better Care Fund (BCF), Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) in 2022/22 which is the “minimum legal requirement”.

(3) That it be agreed that the Council enter into a MoU to formally document resources and funding contributions transacted between the CCG and SMBC which are pooled under the existing Section 75 agreement but will not be pooled if only BCF, iBCF and DFG resources are pooled.

(4) That it be agreed that a Section 75 Committee be established to sit within, alongside or outside (to be confirmed) the Locality Board in order to administer and be the decision-making body for the Section 75 agreement from 1 July 2022. This committee could take the form of the existing Health and Care Integrated Commissioning Board (HCICB) subject to arrangements being put in place to amend the name of the committee, its membership (only noting the necessary change that any Members representing the CCG will become Members representing the ICS) and its terms of reference.

(5) That it be agreed that the Locality Board jointly considers aligned budgets as well as the Section 75 Pooled Budgets.

(6)  That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and/or the Director of Strategy and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) to do such things as are necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above recommendations.

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

The report briefly summarises the review process and presents the third iteration of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement, to cover the period up to 30th June 2023, and seeks committee’s approval to adopt that refreshed statement.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the Modern Slavery Statement for publication in July 2022.

Officer contact: Alan Lawson on 0161 474 5397 or email: alan.lawson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) noting that in September 2018, the Council Meeting had approved a motion condemning the practice of modern slavery and that the Council has subsequently signed a Modern Slavery Charter.

One of the Charter’s commitments was to publish a Modern Slavery Statement that set 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 to the adoption of the third iteration of the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement for the period up to 30 June 2023 as detailed in the report.

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

As a consequence of the Committee on Standards in Public Life Report issued in January 2019 the LGA drafted a new Voluntary Code of Conduct for Councillors.   The LGA issued a draft Voluntary Code of Conduct on 17 August 2020 for consultation.   A “final” version was issued on 23 December 2020.  However, after further feedback from various Local Authorities seeking clarification on the section on interests and identifying some omissions a revised final version was published on 21 September 2021.

The council’s Standards Committee recommended on 3 March 2022 that the LGA Voluntary Code of Conduct be adopted by the council but with the inclusion of our local code in relation to the continued requirement for councillors to disclose personal and prejudicial interests (as was adopted by the council when that was removed from the previous national recommended code following the Localism Act 2011).

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting adopt the proposed Code of Conduct with authority to be provided to the Monitoring Officer to make the consequential amendments to the Constitution without having to return to a further Council Meeting for such agreement.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a recommendations from the Standards Committee that the Council adopt the LGA Voluntary Code of Conduct subject to the retention of a ‘local code’ in relation to the continued requirement for councillors to disclose personal and prejudicial interests.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the proposed Code of Conduct with authority to be provided to the Monitoring Officer to make the consequential amendments to the Constitution without having to return to a further Council Meeting for such agreement.

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

The report provides a composite of all the recommendations for amendments to the Constitution following their consideration at the Constitution Working Party during 2021/22 and thereafter CRMG Scrutiny on 14 June 2022.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting approves and adopts the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a composite of all the recommendations for amendments to the Constitution following their consideration at the Constitution Working Party during 2021/22 and thereafter CRMG Scrutiny on 14 June 2022.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopts the proposed amendments to the Constitution relating to the officer scheme of delegation; contract procedure rules; financial procedure rules; mayoralty; scrutiny procedure rules and the council meeting procedure rules.

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

The report provides detail on the application and consultation for the redesignation of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum (HLVNF) as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting gives approval to the application of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum for redesignation as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

Officer contact: Jonathan Mayo on 0161 474 4551 or email: jonathan.mayo@stockport.gov.uk  

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an application and consultation for the redesignation of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

Councillor MacAlister extended the thanks of the Cabinet to members of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum for their work.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the application of High Lane Village Neighbourhood Forum for redesignation as the relevant body for High Lane Village Neighbourhood Area.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         approve the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2022/23, as set out in the attached Schedule;

·         authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider nominations of councillors to serve on outside bodies

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2022/23, as set out in the attached Schedule.

(2) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting on 20 September 2022.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints received by the council and the lessons learnt from complaints in 2021-22. This report includes complaints received by the local authority that are managed by the complaints service. The scope of complaints included in this report covers:

·         Corporate complaints

·         Adult’s social care complaints

·         Children’s social care complaints

·         School’s complaints

The Cabinet is invited to:-

·         Review performance information contained in this report, and

·         Comment on the performance measures reported and suggest any additional information that might be collected in future.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an overview of complaints, as at the end of 2021/22, including a comparison with the previous year and any lessons learnt from these complaints.

The Leader of the Council stated that it was important that residents had an avenue through which they could make a formal complaint.  It was noted that in any organisation providing the range of services that the Council did, there would inevitably be occasions where things went wrong; however, it was important that lessons were learned from these events and that the same issue did not arise again in the future.

RESOLVED – That performance in relation to the complaints received in 2021/22 be noted.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget in the second half of the financial year, with a particular focus on the fourth quarter of 2021/22 (January – March 2022) and up to May where possible.

The report reflects the 2021/22 Council Plan, MTFP and Portfolio priorities. It includes an executive summary of the seven cabinet portfolios and performance analysis, along with the out-turn position on revenue and capital, and a focus on highlights and exceptions during the year.

The Cabinet is asked to:-

·         Review progress against delivering council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance outturns contained within the report.

·         Note the key achievements against Portfolio Priorities (Exec Summary) and analysis of corporate performance for 2021/22 (section 2).

·         Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit outturn positions for 2021/22 as set out in section 3.3 and 3.6.

·         Note the update to the Council’s positive investments as set out in section 3.4

·         Note the update on the Council’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) investments plan set out in section 3.5.

·         Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund outturn positions as set out in sections 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9.

·         Note the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.10 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as at 31 March 2022.

·         Note the position for the 2021/22 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1.

·         Note the adjustments and re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 4.3.

·         Approve the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 4.3.

·         Approve the 2021/22 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.4, 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 on 0151 474 3274 or email: peter.owston@stockport.gov.uk; or Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the delivery of the Council’s priority outcomes and budget since mid-year, with a particular focus on the fourth and final quarter.

Councillor Hunter noted that the report highlighted that the Council remained on a sound financial footing and he commended the leadership of senior officers of the Council and the dedication of Council staff.

RESOLVED – That it be agreed to:-

·         Note the key achievements against Portfolio Priorities (Exec Summary) and analysis of corporate performance for 2021/22 (section 2).

·         Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit outturn positions for 2021/22 as set out in section 3.3 and 3.6.

·         Note the update to the Council’s positive investments as set out in section 3.4

·         Note the update on the Council’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) investments plan set out in section 3.5.

·         Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund outturn positions as set out in sections 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9.

·         Note the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.10 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as at 31 March 2022.

·         Note the position for the 2021/22 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1.

·         Note the adjustments and re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 4.3.

·         Approve the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 4.3; and

·         Approve the 2021/22 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.4.

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 Health & Adult Social Care.

The report provides a comprehensive update on the delivery of the proposed development of St Thomas’ Gardens, and in particular the Academy of Living Well.

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) and Director of Development and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care:-

(1) To appoint a preferred contractor and negotiate a contract sum up that is viable within the parameters of the financial model summarised in Appendix 1 and finalise the terms of any appointments, contracts and other documentation required to deliver of the Academy of Living Well

(2) Approve the revised financing arrangements for the Academy of Living Well as set out in Appendix 1, including Prudential Borrowing and use of Disabled Facilities Grant

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

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a comprehensive update on the delivery of the proposed development of St Thomas’ Gardens, and in particular the Academy of Living Well.

The Leader of the Councillor (Councillor Mark Hunter) welcomed the reuse of a historic site and the bringing back into use of a heritage asset.

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

RESOLVED – That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) and Director of Development and Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care to:-

(1) Appoint a preferred contractor and negotiate a contract sum up that is viable within the parameters of the financial model summarised in Appendix 1 and finalise the terms of any appointments, contracts and other documentation required to deliver of the Academy of Living Well.

(2) Approve the revised financing arrangements for the Academy of Living Well as set out in Appendix 1, including Prudential Borrowing and use of Disabled Facilities Grant.

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

The report seeks Cabinet approval for the procurement of development management services for the Cheadle Eco Business Park project. The appointment would be following a pre-engagement marketing exercise and then subsequent procurement. Permission is also sought for delegated authority to appoint the Development Manager following conclusion of a procurement process.

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to

(1) Note the content of the report and the proposal to seek Development Management input through an initial market test and then a formal procurement process.

(2) Delegate authority to the Director of Development and Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration to:

·         Agree the basis on which the market is invited to compete and is evaluated for the appointment to take forward the project.

·         Agree the terms with and appoint a Development Manager or Development Partner to assist in the delivery of the project.

·         Take all necessary steps and make all necessary arrangements and/or agreements to bring forward the appointment of a Development Manager or Development Partner to assist in the delivery of the project.

·         Authorise the Strategic Head of Legal Services to undertake and complete all agreements, legal documentation and legal matters in relation to a Development Manager or Development Partner appointment.

(3) Delegate authority to the Strategic Head of Legal Services to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

Officer contact: Robert Goulsbra on 0161 218 1764 or email: robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the procurement of development management services for the Cheadle Eco Business Park project.

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

RESOLVED - (1) That the content of the report and the proposal to seek Development Management input through an initial market test and then a formal procurement process be noted.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration to:

·         Agree the basis on which the market is invited to compete and is evaluated for the appointment to take forward the project.

·         Agree the terms with and appoint a Development Manager or Development Partner to assist in the delivery of the project.

·         Take all necessary steps and make all necessary arrangements and/or agreements to bring forward the appointment of a Development Manager or Development Partner to assist in the delivery of the project.

·         Authorise the Strategic Head of Legal Services to undertake and complete all agreements, legal documentation and legal matters in relation to a Development Manager or Development Partner appointment.

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

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

This report sets out the Council’s strategy for the vacant, former Debenhams building located on the A6 in Stockport Town Centre, and seeks approval for investment in the Council’s preferred option for the building.

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Give approval to the funding for the preferred redevelopment option for the former Debenhams building as outlined in the above report and confidential appendices and

(2) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Development & Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration to;

·         appoint a contractor and appropriate professional team as required to deliver the refurbishment works and execute any necessary letter of intent, pre-construction services agreement or other agreement, pending resolution of the final contract;

·         agree the detailed initial investment mix for the building;

·         agree the terms of occupational leases for the building;

·         take such other steps as are appropriate and necessary to implement the strategy set out in this report

(3) Delegate authority to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) to do such things as are necessary or incidental to implementation of the above recommendations.

Officer contact: Robert Goulsbra on 0161 218 1764 or email: robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Council’s strategy for the vacant, former Debenhams building located on the A6 in Stockport Town Centre.

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

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the funding for the preferred redevelopment option for the former Debenhams building as outlined in the above report and confidential appendices and

(2) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Development & Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration to;

·         appoint a contractor and appropriate professional team as required to deliver the refurbishment works and execute any necessary letter of intent, pre-construction services agreement or other agreement, pending resolution of the final contract;

·         agree the detailed initial investment mix for the building;

·         agree the terms of occupational leases for the building;

·         take such other steps as are appropriate and necessary to implement the strategy set out in this report

(3) That authority be delegated to the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) to do such things as are necessary or incidental to implementation of the above recommendations.

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

This report asks Cabinet to approve the 2022-27 Strategic Business Plan for the MDC as approved by the MDC Board in March 2022

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the 2022-27 Strategic Business Plan and note the All Member briefing which will be held at the earliest opportunity.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the 2022-27 Strategic Business Plan for the MDC as approved by the MDC Board in March 2022.

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

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the 2022-27 Strategic Business Plan for the MDC.

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

The report provides an update of the current status of the Council’s two principal operational depot sites and make recommendations to consolidate the majority of operations currently located at Bird Hall Lane depot at the Adswood Depot, subject to the freehold purchase of the Adswood Depot.

(NOTE: The report contains a confidential appendix that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to :-

(1) Note the current status of the Adswood and Bird Hall Lane depot sites and provide any comments.

(2) Support the proposed purchase of the freehold interest in the Adswood depot site on the terms outlined in Confidential Appendix C.

(3) Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive to secure capital financing through prudential borrowing to complete the purchase.

(4) Delegate authority to the Director of Development and Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to complete the purchase subject to satisfactory pre-acquisition due diligence.

Officer contact: James Kington on 07815 997564 or by email on james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the current status of the Council’s two principal operational depot sites and a recommendation to consolidate the majority of operations currently located at Bird Hall Lane depot at the Adswood Depot.

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

RESOLVED - (1) That the current status of the Adswood and Bird Hall Lane depot sites be noted.

(2) That the proposed purchase of the freehold interest in the Adswood depot site on the terms outlined in Confidential Appendix C be supported.

(3) That the Deputy Chief Executive be authorised to secure capital financing through prudential borrowing to complete the purchase.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration and the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to complete the purchase subject to satisfactory pre-acquisition due diligence.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education.

The report provides details relating to a proposal for shared leadership for the early years functions of the School Improvement Teams across Stockport and Tameside Councils and builds on previous updates to the Scrutiny Committee.

The current assessment of the teams in terms of grades duties and roles means there is scope for assimilation or ring-fenced recruitment process for the new roles. In addition, the new structure enables the leadership roles to operate at a Strategic level – rather than the current mix of mainly operational responsibilities with a relatively small element of leadership. Again this will strengthen Stockport’s early years leadership. Current operational teams in both Stockport and Tameside will not be impacted by this arrangement.

The Cabinet is recommended to endorse the proposal to move to a shared appointment of three Shared Service Leadership roles. These roles are to be full year, and will be initially delivered as a 12 month arrangement with robust evaluation of outcomes to inform future direction.

The new proposed roles are as follows: 

·         Principal role – Head of Early Years Education (Shared Service) Stockport are host employer

·         PVI Lead (Shared Service) – Tameside Host employer

·         School based Lead (Shared Service) – Stockport Host employer

Officer contact: Tim Bowman, tim.bowman@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for shared leadership for the early years functions of the School Improvement Teams across Stockport and Tameside Councils.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to move to a shared appointment of the following three Shared Service Leadership roles be endorsed, initially delivered as a 12 month arrangement with robust evaluation of outcomes to inform future direction:-

·         Principal role – Head of Early Years Education (Shared Service) Stockport are host employer

·         PVI Lead (Shared Service) – Tameside Host employer

·         School based Lead (Shared Service) – Stockport Host employer