Agenda and minutes

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) reported that since the last meeting of the Cabinet the country as a whole had mourned the death of Her Majesty the Queen; and locally the Council had marked the passing of Councillor Sheila Bailey who was a longstanding member of the authority who also served as member of the Cabinet under the previous administration until May 2022.

The Leader of the Council invited all those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 28 June 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 interests were declared:-

Personal and Prejudicial Interest

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

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

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is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) reported that a representation had been received from a member of the public as to why the proposed private meeting should not be held in private with specific regard to Agenda Item 21 – ‘Outline Business Case – Review of the Future Redevelopment of Central Library’.

The Leader of the Council responded that he had received advice from the Monitoring Officer that the document the subject of exemption had been deemed ‘not for publication as it contained financial information that if released to the public would affect the council's negotiating position when inviting tenders for refurbishment works in the future.

It was further stated that once a contract had been entered into in relation to the refurbishment of Central Library, a redacted version of the feasibility study would be made available.  It was further stated that an Equality Impact Assessment had not been published as part of the agenda pack for either the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee or this meeting of the Cabinet and as such had not been made exempt from publication.  It was stated that a copy of this document would be circulated to the person making the representation in due course.

It was then

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 ‘not for publication’ appendices to agenda items 21 – ‘Outline Business Case - Review Of The Future Redevelopment Of Central Library; 22 – ‘MDC Stockport 8 Procurement’ and 23 – ‘Stockport Exchange – Demolition of Wellington Road South Properties’.

To consider a report of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee.

The report details the Children & Families Scrutiny Review Panel's review of pupil place planning, 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. 

Officer contact: Chris Harland on 0161 521 1707 or email: chris.harland@stockport.gov.uk

Councillor Linda Holt presented the final report of the Scrutiny Review into Pupil Place Planning (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) welcomed the findings of the review and noted that the suitability and location of capacity in the system was a vital element in the sufficiency of school places in the borough.  It was commented that the Council was working towards increasing capacity in the special educational needs sector to address school place sufficiency in that area.

RESOLVED -  (1) That the Director of Education be requested to prepare a response to the “Pupil Place Planning” 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 ‘Pupil Place Planning’ and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of Corporate, Resource Management & governance Scrutiny Committee.

The report details the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in respect to ‘The Council’s Property Portfolio – the Next 5/10 years’ 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: James Kington at, james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) presented the final report of the Scrutiny Review into ‘The Council’s Property Portfolio - The Next 5-10’ years (copies of which had been circulated).

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and its recommendations and stated that in the light of the cost of living crisis that was impacting all residents of the borough, it was more important that ever that the Council reviewed its asset base to ensure that it was providing value for money.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Corporate Director for Corporate & Support Services & Deputy Chief Executive be requested to prepare a response to the ‘The Council’s Property Portfolio - The Next 5-10 years’ 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 Property Portfolio - The Next 5-10 years’ and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for 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) 2022/23 to 2024/25. The review has considered the underpinning MTFP forecasts and assumptions approved at the Council Budget Meeting on 24 February 2022 and determined whether these forecasts and assumptions are still appropriate in light of the context of the financial landscape.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Note the outcomes of the MTFP Update including the continuing financial scarring impacts of the pandemic, the increased Energy costs, inflationary pressures, increased demand in Children’s services 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 increased to £16.953m in 2023/24 rising to £33.329m in 2024/25 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 2023/24 budget setting process; and

(5) Approve the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the Council’s 2023/24 Budget and MTFP.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcomes of the review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 022/23 to 2024/25 including the underpinning MTFP forecasts and assumptions approved at the Council Budget Meeting on 24 February 2022 and determine whether these forecasts and assumptions are still appropriate in light of the context of the financial landscape.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         There remained a significant degree of uncertainty following the recent change of Prime Minister.

·         A large number of circumstances at a national and international level had combined to provide a negative outlook on the financial circumstances of the country and the local authority.

·         The costs associated with placing a child in care were highlighted and it was noted that these were increasing.

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, the increased Energy costs, inflationary pressures, increased demand in Children’s services 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 increased to £16.953m in 2023/24 rising to £33.329m in 2024/25 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 2023/24 budget setting process; and

(5) Approved the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the Council’s 2023/24 Budget and MTFP.

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

Within this report we outline our strategic approach in responding to the review of the medium-term financial plan. Whilst Stockport Borough continues to present opportunities for further enhancing the lives of our residents, we are also in a period of unprecedented uncertainty, linked to volatility in things like energy prices, and additional risk created by national and global issues which are totally unpredictable. Our collective focus is on actions which deliver outcomes to support and enhance our communities and businesses across Stockport. In this context it is even more important to have a resilient and robust budget.

This report outlines the budget options being considered by the Cabinet to address financial and demand challenges, enable longer term transformation, and ensure the delivery of shared strategic partnership 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 vision, MTFP response and transformation programme.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the budget options being considered by the Cabinet to address financial and demand challenges, enable longer term transformation, and ensure the delivery of shared strategic partnership ambitions.

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 support a resilient and sustainable MTFP; and

(2) Supported the ongoing development of our council vision, MTFP response and transformation programme.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of July 2022 (Quarter 1+). The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme.

Mid-year Portfolio and Performance Resource Reports (PPRRs) will be presented to scrutiny committees in November. These reports will provide further updates to the in-year budget monitoring position for each portfolio and take account of budget adjustments approved in this report.

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 2022/23 as at Quarter 1+;

c)    note the HRA and DSG forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 1+;

d)   note the forecast position for the 2022/23 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.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) 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 2022 (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 2022/23 as at Quarter 1+ be noted.

(3) That the HRA and DSG forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 1+ be noted.

(4) That the forecast position for the 2022/23 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 Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

The report provides the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2021/22 outturn position.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

a)    Note the annual review of Council’s 2022/23 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

b)   Approve the adjustments and reclassification of earmarked reserves held in line with the recommended amounts; and

c)    Approve the proposed 2022/23 Reserves Policy.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Davies, 0161 218 1025 or by email on jonathan.davies@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 Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2021/22 outturn position.

RESOLVED - (1) That the annual review of Council’s 2022/23 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held be noted.

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

(3) That approval be given to the proposed 2022/23 Reserves Policy.

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

The purpose of this report is to inform the Cabinet on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for 2021/22. 

Throughout 2021/22 the Council complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements.  The key actual prudential and treasury indicators detailing the impact of capital expenditure activities during the year, with comparators are found in the main body of the report. 

The Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) confirms that borrowing was only undertaken for a capital purpose and the statutory borrowing limit (the authorised limit) was not breached.

The investment activity during the year conformed to the approved strategy and the Council had no liquidity issues.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting:

·         Approve the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators in this report.

·         Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22.

Officer Contact: Lorna Soufian on 0161 474 4026 or email: lorna.soufian@stockport.gov.uk.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Annual Report on the functioning of the Council’s Treasury Management functions for 2021/22.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators in this report.

(2) That the Council Meeting be recommended to note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

Draft Portfolio Agreements for 2022/23 have been considered by the September cycle of Scrutiny Committees. These reflect the priorities set out in the 2022/23 Council Plan and 2022/23 budgets within the Medium Term Financial Plan, along with the new Cabinet Portfolio responsibilities.

The final versions of the seven Portfolio Agreements are now presented to Cabinet for approval. These will form the basis for reporting on delivery of priorities and spending plans to Scrutiny Committees during 2022/23.

The Cabinet is recommended to note and give approval to the Portfolio Agreements.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the draft Portfolio Agreements for 2022/23 that reflected the policy priorities for 2022/23 set out in the 2022/23 Council Plan and 2022/23 budgets within the Medium-Term Financial Plan, along with the new Cabinet Portfolio responsibilities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the draft Portfolio Agreements for 2022/23.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing.

The report details the refreshed Housing Plan for Stockport which is a statutory requirement for the Council to have a strategy for housing in the borough which is informed by the Housing Needs Assessment and sets out clear priorities. The supporting delivery plan to the One Stockport Borough Plan, the Stockport Housing Plan will play a vital role in setting out how the priorities of the Borough Plan will be achieved and will also inform the development of the Local Plan by identifying the key housing priorities for the borough.

The Cabinet is recommended to endorse and adopt the Plan. 

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the refreshed Housing Plan for Stockport, fulfilling the Council’s statutory requirement for the Council to have a strategy for housing in the borough which was informed by the Housing Needs Assessment and setting out clear priorities.

RESOLVED – That the refreshed Housing Plan for Stockport be approved and adopted.

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

The Stockport Economic Plan has been developed as a partnership plan in support of, and alignment with, the One Stockport Borough Plan. In order to take forward Stockport’s ambition, reflecting the potential for the local economy around the key priorities of:

·         An Enterprising & Productive Stockport

·         A Skilled and Confident Stockport

A brief was developed, to commission consultants to provide the expertise, capacity, and experience required, to work with the Council and local stakeholders to co-design a Stockport Economic Plan through to 2030.

This Plan is crucial to driving forward the local economy to address the challenges of an economic recovery following the impact of Covid, as well as the current rising costs facing businesses. The brief highlighted that the Plan to be developed should be co-designed by a range of local stakeholders, including Stockport Economic Alliance, employers, jobseekers, young people, and partner organisations with strong local engagement in the process as important as the final plan to be produced.

The Cabinet is recommended to note and endorse the Stockport Economic Plan 2022-2030 and initial actions.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Stockport Economic Plan 2022 that had been developed as a partnership plan in support of, and alignment with, the One Stockport Borough Plan.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Economic Plan 2022-2030 and initial actions be noted and endorsed.

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

The report and appendices set out an initial stage Plan which has been developed to articulate a set of priorities and potential interventions to address both the transport challenges but also the opportunities identified for Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to review, comment on and endorse the draft Plan.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) setting out an initial stage Transport Plan that had been developed to articulate a set of priorities and potential interventions to address both the transport challenges but also the opportunities identified for Stockport.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Transport was a key part of the borough’s infrastructure.

·         The service being provide don the West Coast Mainline was very poor which was hampering Stockport’s economic prospects.

·         Metrolink services to the borough had been promised on a number of occasions, however this had not yet materialised.

·         Changes to lower bus fares across Greater Manchester were welcomed.

·         It was important to work with neighbouring authorities to support cross-boundary bus services.

RESOLVED – That the draft Stockport Transport Plan be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing.

This report outlines the progress taken by the Armed Forces Community Covenant Steering Group in delivering the priorities of the covenant from April 2021 to March 2022. The report also sets out the actions that are being prioritised for the year 2022-2023. 

Cabinet is asked to note and endorse the contents of the report.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the progress taken by the Armed Forces Community Covenant Steering Group in delivering the priorities of the covenant from April 2021 to March 2022. The report also set out the actions that were being prioritised for the year 2022-2023.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2021-22 be noted and endorsed.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing and Finance & Resources.

The report details a proposal to transfer certain responsibilities within the Right to Buy (RTB) service from the Council to Stockport Homes Limited.

The Cabinet is recommended to agree:

(1) That the responsibility for the Application element of the RTB service be transferred from the Council to SHL.

(2) That a variation to the Management Agreement be entered into to document the reallocation of responsibilities; and

(3) That the Director of Place Management and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) be authorised to do such things as are necessary or incidental to ensure the implementation of the above recommendations.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resource (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to transfer certain responsibilities within the Right to Buy (RTB) service from the Council to Stockport Homes Limited.

RESOLVED - (1) That the responsibility for the Application element of the Right to Buy service be transferred from the Council to Stockport Homes Limited.

(2) That a variation to the Management Agreement be entered into to document the reallocation of responsibilities; and

(3) That the Director of Place Management and the Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) be authorised to do such things as are necessary or incidental to ensure the implementation of the above recommendations.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services.

The report sets out the proposals for the Stockport Council Annual Flood Resilience Plan and describes the various roles and responsibilities of the Council with regard to flooding and flood resilience including its roles as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Highway Authority and landowner both of greenspace and working with Stockport Homes its significant housing assets.

This report is the second annual report providing an update on activities since April 2021 and also provides a response to the Council Motion in July 2022 on highway blocked drains, grids and gullies.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

·         Note the progress and the proposed future works in the report.

·         Give further consideration to the attached highways drainage plan as approved at the Council meeting in July 2022.

·         Comment on the proposed future approach to the provision of a flood grant if residents’ properties are affected by a future flooding episode including the revised criteria.

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

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out proposals for the Stockport Council Annual Flood Resilience Plan and describing the various roles and responsibilities of the Council with regard to flooding and flood resilience including its roles as the Lead Local Flood Authority, Highway Authority and landowner both of greenspace and, working with Stockport Homes, its significant housing assets. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the progress and proposed future works detailed in the report be endorsed.

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 24 June and 29 July 2022.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out decisions taken by the GMCA at its meetings on 24 June and 29 July 2022.

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 report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The report present the next steps for the redevelopment of Central Library following the opening of Stockroom in late 2023 and provides an update on the ongoing progress of the Stockroom Project.

(NOTE: The report contains a ‘not for publication’ appendix that has been circulated to the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the progress update on the Stockroom Project.

(2) Note the update on Central Library Redevelopment Strategy and recommend for approval the proposals.

(3) Give approval to the release of up to £400k in reserves to fund the development of the project through to planning and construction tender in line with the steps covered in section 11 of this report.

(4) Delegate authority for the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to enter into any required professional services and construction contracts and bring forth any necessary planning applications related to the refurbishment of Central Library.

(5) Delegate authority for the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to take the necessary steps to implement the strategy set out in this report.

Officer contact: James Kington at james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resource (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the next steps for the redevelopment of Central Library following the opening of Stockroom in late 2023 and providing an update on the ongoing progress of the Stockroom Project.

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The proposals in the report largely related to planning and process for the redevelopment of the Central Library building.

·         It was noted that the Stockroom development would be proceeded with.

·         The retention of library services in the Central Library building was welcomed.

RESOLVED - (1) That the progress update on the Stockroom Project be noted.

(2) That the update on Central Library Redevelopment Strategy and recommend for approval the proposals be noted.

(3) That approval be given to the release of up to £400k in reserves to fund the development of the project through to planning and construction tender in line with the steps covered in section 11 of this report.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance to enter into any required professional services and construction contracts and bring forth any necessary planning applications related to the refurbishment of Central Library.

(5) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance and Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) to take the necessary steps to implement the strategy set out in this report.

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

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the procurement of a Joint Venture Partner (a private sector development entity) to bring forward development on the sites in Stockport Town Centre West known as Stockport 8.

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

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Approve the principle of the Council entering into a Joint Venture with a Joint Venture Partner as proposed within the report on terms to be agreed

(2) Approve commencement of the procurement of a Joint Venture Partner as set out in section 3 of the Report and approve the costs of up to £300,000 set out in section 4.4 of the Report which will be funded from the Capital Investment Reserve – Mayoral Development Corporation.

(3) Delegate authority to the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Economy and Regeneration, and Finance and Resources to:

·         appoint a Joint Venture Partner

·         agree the terms of the Corporate Joint Venture

·         enter into all appropriate legal agreements to establish the Corporate Joint Venture

·         enter into all legal documentation required to deliver the development of Stockport 8 and to take the necessary steps to implement the strategy set out in this report

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

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the procurement of a Joint Venture Partner (a private sector development entity) to bring forward development on the sites in Stockport Town Centre West known as Stockport 8.

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

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the principle of the Council entering into a Joint Venture with a Joint Venture Partner as proposed within the report on terms to be agreed

(2) That approval be given to the commencement of the procurement of a Joint Venture Partner as set out in section 3 of the Report and approve the costs of up to £300,000 set out in section 4.4 of the Report which will be funded from the Capital Investment Reserve – Mayoral Development Corporation.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Economy and Regeneration, and Finance and Resources to:

·         appoint a Joint Venture Partner

·         agree the terms of the Corporate Joint Venture

·         enter into all appropriate legal agreements to establish the Corporate Joint Venture

·         enter into all legal documentation required to deliver the development of Stockport 8 and to take the necessary steps to implement the strategy set out in this report

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

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

The report seeks Cabinet approval to progress with the demolition and subsequent landscaping of 76- 84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road.

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

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve that the Council proceeds with the demolition of 76-84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road (as shown as option 1 within Appendix 1) and landscaping works, on the basis outlined in this report and its appendices;

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

(a)       to appoint contractor(s) and professional team as required to deliver the demolition and landscaping works and enter into all appropriate agreements to fund and deliver such works;

(b)       to 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 & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

Contact officer: Robert Goulsbra 0161 218 1764 | robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to progress with the demolition and subsequent landscaping of 76- 84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road, Stockport.

(NOTE: The report contained appendices that were ‘not for publication’ and which were circulated to the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the Council proceeding with the demolition of 76-84 Wellington Road South and 2 Railway Road (as shown as option 1 within Appendix 1) and landscaping works, on the basis outlined in this report and its appendices;

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

(a)     to appoint contractor(s) and professional team as required to deliver the demolition and landscaping works and enter into all appropriate agreements to fund and deliver such works;

(b)     to 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 & Democratic Governance) to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.