Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 1 November 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 was declared:-

Personal Interest

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda item 22 as it contained information that was ‘not for publication’ within its appendices.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public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would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 22 – ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI)’.

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

The report details the findings of the Scrutiny Review Panel around a Stockport Greenspace Standard, providing scrutiny with an update on the application of the findings.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1)  Endorse the methodology trialled to date as a means to assess the extent to which Stockport’s residents have access to a good quality greenspace.

(2) Give approval to the adoption of monitoring the boroughs greenspaces that will be referred to as the Stockport Greenspace Standard.

(3) Note that the following Performance Measure is adopted and reported on annually: The percentage of Stockport residents who have access to a good quality greenspace.

Officer contact: Emma Stubbs at emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) submitted the final report of the Scrutiny Review into a ‘Stockport Greenspace Standard’ (copies of which had been circulated).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The report accurately conveyed the high quality of the greenspace across the borough which was a tribute to the hard work of council staff and the many friends of parks groups.

·         Greenspace had value even where it existed outside of the green belt.

·         Both green belt land and other greenspace were of high value and were a contributory factor in what made Stockport a great place to live.

RESOLVED - (1) That the methodology trialled to date as a means to assess the extent to which Stockport’s residents have access to a good quality greenspace be endorsed.

(2) That approval be given to the adoption of monitoring the boroughs greenspaces that will be referred to as the Stockport Greenspace Standard.

(3) That the following Performance Measure be adopted and reported on annually: ‘The percentage of Stockport residents who have access to a good quality greenspace’.

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

The Mid-Year (Quarter 2) Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) provides a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget in the first half of the financial year, with a particular focus on the second quarter of 2022/23 (July to September 2022).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

a)    Review progress against delivering council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget and performance forecasts contained within the report.

b)   Note the key achievements and other issues quarter in each of the councils seven priorities (in the Executive Summary) and analysis of corporate performance for 2022/23 (Section 2 – Corporate Performance: Overview and Analysis).

c)    Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as set out in section 3.3 and 3.6.

d)   Note the update to the council’s positive investments as set out in section 3.4

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

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

g)   Note the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.10 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as of 30 September 2022.

h)   Note the position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1.

i)     Note the adjustments and re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 4.2.

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

k)    Approve the 2022/23 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.4, and

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

Officer contacts: Holly Rae on  07800 617 550 or email: holly.rae@stockport.gov.uk or Jonathan Davies on 07891949012 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resource (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a joint report of the Cabinet Member and the Leader of the Council (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of progress in delivering the Council’s priority outcomes and budget in the first half of the financial year, with a particular focus on the second quarter of 2022/23 (July – September).

RESOLVED – (1) That the key achievements and other issues quarter in each of the councils seven priorities (in the Executive Summary) and analysis of corporate performance for 2022/23 (Section 2 – Corporate Performance: Overview and Analysis) be noted.

(2) That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as set out in section 3.3 and 3.6 be noted.

(3) That the update to the council’s positive investments as set out in section 3.4 be noted.

(4) That the update on the council’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) investments plan set out in section 3.5 be noted.

(5) That the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund forecast positions as set out in sections 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9 be noted.

(6) That the appropriations to/from reserves and balances as set out in section 3.10 and note the resulting reserves and balances position as of 30 September 2022 be noted.

(7) That the position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme as set out in section 4.1 be noted.

(8) That the adjustments and re-phasing of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 4.2 be noted.

(9) That approval be given to the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 4.3.

(10) That approval be given to the 2022/23 prudential indicators as set out in section 4.4.

(11) That the key identified areas for further investigation and responsibility for taking forward corrective action to address any existing or outturn issues or risks be noted.

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

This report provides Cabinet with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23 approved by Council on 24 February 2022 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

The report provides an economic update for the first six months of 2022/23 and details how this impacts upon the interest rate predictions and outlook provided in the initial strategy.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting

(1) Note the report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year.

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

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23 that had been approved by Council on 24 February 2022 and had been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

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

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

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

This report deals with the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2022/23, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2023/24 and also presents a forecast for Business Rates income expected in 2023/24.These items form an integral and important part of the Council’s budget setting and MTFP process.

(1) It is recommended that the Cabinet:

·         Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus of £4.250m in 2022/23 relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.325m and Business Rates surplus of £3.925m subject to the delegations below;

·         Declare a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus to be appropriated to the Council’s General Fund in 2023/24 of £4.160m relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.274m and Business Rates surplus of £3.886m subject to the delegations below;

·         Note that the declared position will be offset by Section 31 grants received for CARF (Covid Additional Relief Fund) from Government of £5.293m;

·         Note that the declared Collection Fund position will be additionally offset by a requirement to return £4.479m of S31 grants received in 2022/23;

·         Note the proposal for the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Fund as set out in the Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Annual Review report using the declared 2022/23 surplus to offset forgone Council Tax income as a result;

·         Note the 2023/24 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 97,533.3 Band D equivalent dwellings. The Council’s final 2023/24 Council Tax Taxbase will be presented for approval to the Council meeting on 12 January 2023;

·         Note the 2023/24 Business Rates budget forecast subject to the completion of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to be submitted to Government by 31 January 2023; and

·         Note that additional one-off resources identified are to be reviewed through the MTFP and 2023/24 budget setting processes following the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement in December.

(2) It is recommended that the Cabinet delegates the following decisions to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources:

·         The decision to change the provisional 2022/23 Collection Fund forecast outturn position prior to declaring the position on 31 January 2023 as required by legislation;

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

·         The decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 8 linked to the submission of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to Government.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the forecast Collection Fund outturn position for 2022/23, the setting of the Council Tax Taxbase for 2023/24, and a forecast for Business Rates income for 2022/23.

RESOLVED – (1) That a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus of £4.250m in 2022/23 relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.325m and Business Rates surplus of £3.925m be declared subject to the delegations below.

(2) That a provisional forecast outturn Collection Fund surplus to be appropriated to the Council’s General Fund in 2023/24 of £4.160m relating to a Council Tax surplus of £0.274m and Business Rates surplus of £3.886m be declared subject to the delegations below.

(3) That it be noted that the declared position will be offset by Section 31 grants received for CARF (Covid Additional Relief Fund) from Government of £5.293m.

(4) That it be noted that the declared Collection Fund position will be additionally offset by a requirement to return £4.479m of S31 grants received in 2022/23.

(5) That it be noted that the proposal for the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Fund as set out in the Council Tax and Business Rates Discounts Annual Review report using the declared 2022/23 surplus to offset forgone Council Tax income as a result.

(6) That it be noted that the 2023/24 Council Tax Taxbase for budget setting purposes of 97,533.3 Band D equivalent dwellings. The Council’s final 2023/24 Council Tax Taxbase will be presented for approval to the Council meeting on 12 January 2023.

(7) That it be noted that the 2023/24 Business Rates budget forecast subject to the completion of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to be submitted to Government by 31 January 2023.

(8) That it be noted that additional one-off resources identified are to be reviewed through the MTFP and 2023/24 budget setting processes following the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement in December.

(9) That the following decisions be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources:

·         The decision to change the provisional 2022/23 Collection Fund forecast outturn position prior to declaring the position on 31 January 2023 as required by legislation;

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

·         The decision to vary the Business Rates forecast presented in Table 8 linked to the submission of the NNDR1 (Business Rates budget) to Government.

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

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

This report summarises the impact of Business Rates and Council Tax discounts and exemptions over the last year and recommends their continuation for 2023/24, along with an increase in the amount of Council Tax discretionary support available, to assist residents with cost of living rises. 

It is recommended that the Cabinet agrees:

·         That the CASC Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2023/24, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

·         That Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2023/24.

·         That Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2023/24 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

·         That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not-for-Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2023/24.

·         That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2023/24.

·         That the continuation of a case-by-case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2023/24. It is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned.

·         That the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties for 2023/24.

·         That the maximum Council Tax premium charges continue to be applied in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties at the rates shown at para 4.3.3 for 2023/24.

·         That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2023/24.

·         That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2023/24 as detailed at Appendix 5.

·         That the Council Tax discretionary fund is set at £0.385m for 2023/24, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.  

·         That delegation is given to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to review and adjust the Council Tax discretionary fund during 2023/24 capped at a total fund of £0.500m if required, to support the Council’s cost-of-living response. 

·         That the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2023/24.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the annual review the local scheme of discounts and exemptions which are available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax and proposing the continuation of the existing discounts and exemptions along with an increase in the amount of Council Tax discretionary support available, to assist residents with cost of living rises.

RESOLVED – (1) that the CASC Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2023/24, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

(2) That Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2023/24.

(3) That Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2023/24 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

(4) That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not-for-Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2023/24.

(5) That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2023/24.

(6) That the continuation of a case-by-case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2023/24. It is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned.

(7) That the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties for 2023/24.

(8) That the maximum Council Tax premium charges continue to be applied in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties at the rates shown at para 4.3.3 for 2023/24.

(9) That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2023/24.

(10 That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2023/24 as detailed at Appendix 5.

(11) That the Council Tax discretionary fund is set at £0.385m for 2023/24, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means. 

(12) That delegation is given to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to review and adjust the Council Tax discretionary fund during 2023/24 capped at a total fund of £0.500m if required, to support the Council’s cost-of-living response.

(13) That the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2023/24.

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

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the Council to provide a loan facility for Life Leisure (the trading name of Stockport Active CIC) to fund the replacement of equipment, general capital improvements to centres and initiatives to make leisure centres more energy efficient. 

The proposed loan facility is of a maximum of £5m to be requested as and when deemed necessary by the Board and Executive of Life Leisure during the current services contract between the Council and Life Leisure which runs until 31st March 2027.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve a loan facility for Life Leisure to fund the replacement of equipment, general capital improvements to centres and initiatives to make leisure centres more energy efficient.  The proposed loan facility is of a maximum of £5m to be requested as and when deemed necessary by the Board and Executive of Life Leisure during the current services contract between the Council and Life Leisure which runs until 31st March 2027.

(2) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to approve specific borrowing requests from Life Leisure under the terms of the overall loan facility, following consideration of appropriate business cases supplied.

Officer Contact: Peter Ashworth on Tel: 0161 474 2392 or email: peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) seeking Cabinet approval for the Council to provide a loan facility for Life Leisure (the trading name of Stockport Active CIC) to fund the replacement of equipment, general capital improvements to centres and initiatives to make leisure centres more energy efficient.

The proposed loan facility was of a maximum of £5m to be requested as and when deemed necessary by the Board and Executive of Life Leisure during the current services contract between the Council and Life Leisure which runs until 31 March 2027.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the loan facility for Life Leisure to fund the replacement of equipment, general capital improvements to centres and initiatives to make leisure centres more energy efficient; the loan facility being of a maximum of £5m to be requested as and when deemed necessary by the Board and Executive of Life Leisure during the current services contract between the Council and Life Leisure which runs until 31st March 2027.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to approve specific borrowing requests from Life Leisure under the terms of the overall loan facility, following consideration of appropriate business cases supplied.

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

This report provides an overview on the energy contracts held by the Council both for its estate’s portfolio including some schools and the street lighting and other highway-based energy contracts. The report sets  out a  proposed change in strategy for the procurement of our energy within a framework that requires Cabinet approval on the basis that the likely cumulative value of contracts entered into is greater than £10m which requires Cabinet approval.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Support the approach of a flexible contract, working with STAR and e-energy and other local authority partners to try to obtain the best prices for energy from April 2023 and to delegate approval of these new contracts to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to approve and sign the new estate’s portfolio energy contracts and the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services to approve and sign the street lighting and other highway energy-based contracts.

(2) Request that officers continue to identify and implement cost effective energy efficient measures to reduce energy usage.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or e mail: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview on the energy contracts held by the Council both for its estates portfolio, including some schools, and the street lighting and other highway-based energy contracts.

The report further set out a proposed change in strategy for the procurement of our energy within a framework that required Cabinet approval on the basis that the likely cumulative value of contracts entered into was greater than £10m.

RESOLVED - (1) That the approach of a flexible contract, working with STAR and e-energy and other local authority partners to try to obtain the best prices for energy from April 2023 be supported and endorsed and that approval be delegated for the new contracts to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources to approve and sign the new estate’s portfolio energy contracts and the Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services to approve and sign the street lighting and other highway energy-based contracts.

(2) That officers be requested to continue to identify and implement cost effective energy efficient measures to reduce energy usage.

To consider a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education.

In January 2022 St Mary’s RC Primary School, Heaton Norris received an inadequate judgement from OFSTED and was placed into special measures. As a consequence of being placed into special measures the Diocese of Salford were issued an Academy Order under paragraph 10, schedule 1 of the Academies Act 2010.

The Diocese of Salford have notified Stockport Council (Appendix 1) that they believe St Mary’s RC Primary School, Heaton Norris, to be unviable and as such have requested to work with the Council to start the statutory proceedings to close the school.

Stockport Council has a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient primary and secondary school places and is committed to working in close partnership with schools, academy trusts, diocesan leads, and key partners to ensure that the supply of school places across Stockport is in the right location, is of sufficient size, is viable and of good quality.

Despite this being a voluntary aided school it is the Council who is the responsible body for initiating proceedings to close the school. It is recommended that proceedings start without delay to engage and consult with the community and other critical stakeholders.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Commit to public engagement and consultation over whether the Council should publish a statutory proposal to formally close the school

(2) Delegate authority to the Council’s Chief Executive, Corporate Director for People, and Director of Education to determine whether the Council should proceed to stage 2 and 3 of the Statutory process (as described in Section 8.2), ‘Publication’ and ‘Representation’.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) noting that in January 2022 St Mary’s RC Primary School, Heaton Norris received an inadequate judgement from OFSTED and was placed into special measures.

It was further noted that as a consequence of being placed into special measures, the Diocese of Salford were issued an Academy Order under the Academies Act 2010.  Subsequently, the Diocese of Salford notified Stockport Council that they believed St Mary’s RC Primary School, Heaton Norris, to be unviable and as such had requested to work with the Council to start the statutory proceedings to close the school.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was stated that the proposal to close St Mary’s RC Primary School had come from the Diocese of Salford, however the council had the statutory responsibility for initiating proceedings to close the school.

·         It was noted that pupil numbers at the school were relatively low and significantly below capacity.

·         Approximately 23% of pupils at the school were catholic.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the undertaking of public engagement and consultation over whether the Council should publish a statutory proposal to formally close the school.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Council’s Chief Executive, Corporate Director for People, and Director of Education to determine whether the Council should proceed to stage 2 and 3 of the Statutory process (as described in Section 8.2 of the report), ‘Publication’ and ‘Representation’.

To consider a joint report of the Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education; and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The report sets out the business case for the delivery of additional internal residential placement sufficiency in Stockport. This expansion in capacity is required to meet increasing demand due to rising numbers and complexity of children in care and to reduce our spend on external placements.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve the capital funding to a maximum of £1.8m through prudential borrowing for the immediate purchase and conversion of up to three properties within Stockport.

(2) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to approve the selection of suitable properties and undertake their purchase.

(3) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to enter into any such contracts and agreements as may be required to complete the purchase, conversion and operation of the children's homes.

(4) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to apply for any necessary consents associated with the delivery of the children's homes.

(5) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to approve necessary revenue budget changes to support the running of the new homes.

(6) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to take all necessary further steps to deliver the strategy.

Officer contacts: Jeanette Warburton, jeanette.warburton@stockport.gov.uk  or James Kington, james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a joint report of the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the business case for the delivery of additional internal residential placement sufficiency in Stockport.

The proposed expansion in capacity was required to meet increasing demand due to rising numbers and complexity of children in care and to reduce spend on external placements.

RESOLVED - (1) That capital funding be approved to a maximum of £1.8m through prudential borrowing for the immediate purchase and conversion of up to three properties within Stockport.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to approve the selection of suitable properties and undertake their purchase.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to enter into any such contracts and agreements as may be required to complete the purchase, conversion and operation of the children's homes.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to apply for any necessary consents associated with the delivery of the children's homes.

(5) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to approve necessary revenue budget changes to support the running of the new homes.

(6) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, to take all necessary further steps to deliver the strategy.

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

The Council have reviewed the procedures it uses to ensure that the design and maintenance of different routes in the borough support the current legislation and guidance for that type of route in terms of access controls which are ways of controlling who can enter a path or area normally by physical measures.. The procedures will also support current Council policy.

The policy addresses a range of locations and path types. These are:

·         Pedestrian only routes including concessionary routes in green space

·         Public Right of Way Footpaths as identified on the definitive map

·         Cycle Paths

·         Shared Pedestrians and Cycle Paths

·         Segregated Pedestrians and Cycle Paths

·         Public Right of Way Bridleways as identified on the definitive map

·         Multi-User Trails on Council Land or maintained by the Council due to Legal Agreement.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the adoption of the Access Control Measures Policy Statement.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining a review of the council’s procedures to ensure that the design and

maintenance of different routes in the borough supported current legislation and guidance for that type of route in terms of access controls, which were ways of controlling who could enter a path or area normally through the use of physical measures.

This policy statement proposed an approach which balanced issues that had been raised regarding accessibility for legitimate users with the need to protect all path users and local residents from the negative impact of illegitimate usage of routes.

It was commented that many access controls had been put in place to prevent or deter anti-social behaviour, however in a number of cases offenders were able to readily bypass the measures, while legitimate users had been prevented from accessing the route.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the adoption of the Access Control Measures Policy Statement.

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

The report provides an update on the School Streets trial which ran in Stockport from 13th June 2022 to 31st July 2022.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the finding of the report and the potential alternatives which could be considered.

(2) Note the significant barriers to being able to do School Streets long term and acknowledge the lack of resource, financial and human, for all options.

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

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the School Streets trial which ran in Stockport from 13 June 2022 to 31 July 2022.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The learning identified in the report was welcomed and which would inform future steps to encourage young people to take a more active route to school.

·         It was noted that the funding for the trial had been provided by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for a limited period and that the council had not withdrawn support.

·         It was commented that schools were able to continue to operate school street schemes with their own volunteers.

RESOLVED - (1) That the findings of the report and the potential alternatives which could be considered be noted.

(2) That the significant barriers to being able to do School Streets in long term and the lack of resource, financial and human, for all options be acknowledged and noted.

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

This report outlines the proposal to set up a Greater Manchester Mental Health and Dementia Complex Needs flexible purchasing system.  The FPS will be divided into two lots;

·         Lot 1 People with complex mental health conditions including those with substance misuse

·         Lot 2 People with Complex Dementia 

This work will be conducted by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (GMICP) formerly known as Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership. The contract will be hosted by Stockport Council as at the time of going to tender GMICP was not a legal entity in its own right, therefore they approached STAR Procurement to undertake the process on their behalf and asked Stockport Council to host.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the recommendations for awarding the providers (as detailed in the report) on to the Flexible Purchasing System for Greater Manchester Mental Health and Dementia Complex Needs for the initial round 1, round 2 and other subsequent rounds of tendering and awarding providers onto the Flexible Purchasing System noting that the framework will be for a term of up to 4+2 years and accreditation awarded to providers carries no guarantee of business during that time.

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) detailing a proposal to set up a Greater Manchester Mental Health and Dementia Complex Needs flexible purchasing system.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the recommendations for awarding the providers (as detailed in the report) on to the Flexible Purchasing System for Greater Manchester Mental Health and Dementia Complex Needs for the initial round 1, round 2 and other subsequent rounds of tendering and awarding providers onto the Flexible Purchasing System noting that the framework will be for a term of up to 4+2 years and accreditation awarded to providers carried no guarantee of business during that time.

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

The report provides an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of the Borough’s eight District Centres and to set out the next steps along with recommendations on spend within the current financial year 2022/ 23.

The Cabinet is recommended to agree that Action plans for each District Centre be developed, in collaboration with local stakeholders, based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Reports.

Officer contact: Helen Walters on 07800 618140 or email: helen.walters@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the Council’s partnership with the Institute of Place Management in supporting the development of the Borough’s eight District Centres and setting out the next steps along with recommendations on spend within the current financial year 2022/ 23.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Stockport’s district centres remained a priority and the work of the district centre managers was welcomed.

·         The unique character of each of the district centres should continue to be recognised.

·         Local action plans were to be developed in collaboration with local stakeholders to give localities to opportunity to make decisions about what was right for each centre.

RESOLVED – That it be agreed that Action plans for each District Centre be developed, in collaboration with local stakeholders, based on the recommendations in the Institute of Place Management Reports.

To consider a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education.

This report presents recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) to consider approval for the reimbursement of independent appeals panel members for the time and expense involved in undertaking this function.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting:-

(a)    approves the introduction of a £32.50 per day payment to members of the Independent Appeals Panel.

(b)    approves the introduction of the allowance being backdated to May 2021.

(c)    notes that a recruitment exercise will be undertaken following the introduction of the allowance.

(d)    requests that the Independent Remuneration Panel undertake a review of the rate of the allowance at a point 12 months after its introduction to assess its effectiveness in recruiting and retaining panel members.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a report from the Independent Remuneration Panel recommending the introduction of a payment for members of the independent appeals panel to reflect the time and expense involved in undertaking this function.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

(1) Approve the introduction of a £32.50 per day payment to members of the Independent Appeals Panel.

(2) Approve the introduction of the allowance being backdated to May 2021.

(3) Note that a recruitment exercise will be undertaken following the introduction of the allowance.

(4) Request that the Independent Remuneration Panel undertake a review of the rate of the allowance at a point 12 months after its introduction to assess its effectiveness in recruiting and retaining panel members.

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 28 October 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 meeting on 28 October 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 Climate Change & Environment.

It is evident that support to improve the Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) within Stockport is required to encourage the decarbonisation of transport and improve air quality in the borough. It has been identified that by entering into an agreement with the sustainable infrastructure company Iduna, the council could help improve EVCI provision across the borough. Iduna have funding to support the role out of EVCI in the borough which can be accessed by residents and visitors of Stockport and paid for using Be.EV membership or ‘webpay’. To do this Iduna is seeking to lease parking spaces under council ownership.

This proposal seeks to enable and increase the adoption of electric vehicles within Stockport and to support our goals of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2038. This paper provides the national, regional, and local context for this decision, an overview of the proposal, and considerations for cabinet members and other decision makers. It then proposes the recommended way forward from officers.

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

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve the proposal to proceed with Iduna as the delivery partner for EVCI on a lease basis for the 21 proposed sites and approve delegation to the Director of Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet Member for CAN for identifying alternative sites if these prove unviable.

(2) Approve delegation of final terms for the lease agreements to the Director of Place Management in consultation with Cabinet Member for CAN.

(3) Note that Area Committees will be asked to comment on EVCI locations within their jurisdiction.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or e mail: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to enable and increase the adoption of electric vehicles within Stockport and to support the goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2038.

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

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the proposal to proceed with Iduna as the delivery partner for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) on a lease basis for the 21 proposed sites and approve delegation to the Director of Place Management in consultation with the Cabinet Member for CAN for identifying alternative sites if these prove unviable.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Director of Place Management in consultation with Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment to agree the final terms for the lease agreements.

(3) That it be noted that Area Committees will be asked to comment on EVCI locations within their jurisdiction.