Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 December 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.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda item 23 as it contained information that was ‘not for publication’ within its appendices.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public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would be in breach of Data Protection principles, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 23 – ‘Stockport 8 Relocation’.

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

The report provides an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2023/24.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2023/24.

(2) Approve the construction of the early year’s budget as per section 3.1 to 3.2 and the updated 2023/24 local funding formula for schools as outlined in sections 3.3. to 3.5 and detailed in the table(s) in section 6.2 which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the DfE in accordance with statutory requirements.

Officer contact: Peter Hughes on 0161 474 3947 or by email: peter.hughes@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) providing an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2023/24.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       The Council continued to lobby for a better deal for funding for schools in Stockport.

·       Stockport has historically received a lower funding settlement then comparator authorities.

·       It was noted that notwithstanding the funding position, schools and young people in Stockport continued to achieve well.

RESOLVED - (1) That the details of the Education Funding Settlement for 2023/24 be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the construction of the early year’s budget as per section 3.1 to 3.2 and the updated 2023/24 local funding formula for schools as outlined in sections 3.3. to 3.5 and detailed in the table(s) in section 6.2 which will form the basis of the calculation of school budgets and be notified to the DfE in accordance with statutory requirements.

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

The report provides the Scrutiny Committee with the opportunity to comment on an illustrative Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget. The Cabinet will be meeting on 31 January to recommend to Council a HRA budget for 2023/24, including the level of rent and service charges.  The illustrative budget is based on a number of key assumptions set out in the report which includes income from rent and service charges, expenditure commitments contained within the HRA 30 year Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy, indicative spending requirements to support inflationary pressures, and identified investment priorities.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council meeting gives approval to:-

a) an increase of 7% for social and affordable rent;

b) an increase of 7% for rent of shared ownership properties;

c) an increase of 9.5% for rent of sheltered properties

d) service charge increases as outlined in section 3;

e) the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 1

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

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Helen Foster-Grime) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed HRA budget for 2023/24, including the level of rent and service charges.  The illustrative budget was based on a number of key assumptions set out in the report which included income from rent and service charges, expenditure commitments contained within the HRA 30 year Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy, indicative spending requirements to support inflationary pressures, and identified investment priorities.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to:-

(a) an increase of 7% for social and affordable rent;

(b) an increase of 7% for rent of shared ownership properties;

(c) an increase of 9.5% for rent of sheltered properties

(d) service charge increases as outlined in section 3;

(e) the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2023/24 as set out in Appendix 1.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide a summary of the Quarter 2+ revenue forecast outturn incorporating the business as usual forecast. The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme. The report also provides updates on budget virements to be incorporated into the 2023/24 budget setting process.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1)  Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget;

(2)  Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+;

(3)  Note the update on the Council’s positive investments;

(4)  Note the update on Reserves;

(5)  Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, and Housing Revenue Account positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+;

(6)  Note the forecast position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme; and

(7)  Note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 2+.

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 Quarter 2+ revenue forecast outturn including an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account, Collection Fund, updates to the Capital Programme and budget virements to be incorporated into the 2023/24 budget setting process.

It was noted that the Council continued to suffer from the same pressures as households with regard to the cost of living crisis.  It was highlighted that the cost of street lighting alone had increased by approximately £2.5 million each year as a result of the increase in the cost of energy.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the virements to the Revenue Budget as detailed in the report.

(2) That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+ be noted.

(3) That the update on the Council’s positive investments be noted.

(4) That the update on Reserves be noted.

(5) That the Dedicated Schools Grant, and Housing Revenue Account positions for 2022/23 as at Quarter 2+ be noted.

(6) That the forecast position for the 2022/23 Capital Programme be noted.

(7) That the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 2+ be noted.

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

The Council Plan accompanies the budget and sets out the priorities for the council for the next year. It is a public-facing summary document that sits above annual (detailed) Portfolio Agreements.  The plan is developed by Cabinet, supported by officers, and includes an overview of council services. It does not attempt to describe everything the council does, focussing instead on those things that are of crucial importance in a specific year. 

The 2023/24 Council Plan has been developed around four “Big Ambitions” and two cross-cutting issues. These are linked to the One Stockport Borough Plan’s three core themes (One Heart, One Home, One Future).

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting approves and adopts the 2023/24 Council Plan.

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

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

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       The Plan articulated the Council’s aims and ambitions for the future.

·       None of aims and ambitions contained in the plan could be delivered without the skill and commitment of its workforce.

·       Fairness and inclusivity along with action on climate change were cross-cutting issues.

·       The report noted the recent Corporate Peer Challenge undertaken by the LGA which had confirmed many of the Council’s assumptions and its understanding of its position that it was moving in the right direction.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the draft Council Plan for 2023/24.

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

The report provides a further update on our strategic approach in responding to the review of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). This follows on from the report presented at the Cabinet meeting on the 28 September 2022  and scrutiny committees during October and January. In particular it includes our final change proposals within the appendix following consultation and scrutiny comment ahead of the Budget Council meeting in February.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Note the development of proposals and the feedback received from the engagement and consultation to date.

(2) Approve the proposals for inclusion within the budget papers for Budget Council.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a further update on the strategic approach in responding to the review of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and detailing the final change proposals following consultation and scrutiny comment ahead of the Budget Council meeting in February.

RESOLVED – (1) That the development of proposals and the feedback received from the engagement and consultation to date be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the proposals for inclusion within the budget papers for Budget Council.

The report provides  an update on the Council’s 2023/24 to 2025/26 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions as part of setting a robust and resilient budget and financial plan to meet the unprecedented uncertainty, volatility, and risk within the financial landscape.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Note the details of the 2023/24 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the expected announcement of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement;

(2) Note, and comment upon as appropriate, the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2023/24 to 2025/26;

(3) Note and approve the indicative budget adjustments since the MTFP Update presented to the Cabinet meeting on 28 September 2022 resulting in savings requirement of £4.277m in 2023/24;

(4) Approve the allocation of £8.643m of the corporate contingency budgets to Cash Limit budgets as part of the budget setting process as set out in paragraphs 3.18 to 3.20;

(5) Note the Section 151 Officer recommendation to hold the Council’s General Fund Balance at its current level £15.183m in 2023/24 aligned to his risk assessment of the budget and the adequacy of reserves and balances to support the Council’s 2023/24 Budget; and  

(6) Take the necessary steps to propose a final balanced 2023/24 Budget including any proposed Council Tax increase to be recommended for approval at the Council meeting on 23 February 2023.

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 2023/24 to 2025/26 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) forecasts and assumptions as part of setting a robust and resilient budget and financial plan to meet the unprecedented uncertainty, volatility, and risk within the financial landscape.

RESOLVED - (1) That the details of the 2023/24 Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the expected announcement of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement be noted.

(2) That the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2023/24 to 2025/26 be noted.

(3) That approval be given to the indicative budget adjustments since the MTFP Update presented to the Cabinet meeting on 28 September 2022 resulting in savings requirement of £4.277m in 2023/24.

(4) That approval be given to the allocation of £8.643m of the corporate contingency budgets to Cash Limit budgets as part of the budget setting process as set out in paragraphs 3.18 to 3.20.

(5) That the Section 151 Officer recommendation to hold the Council’s General Fund Balance at its current level £15.183m in 2023/24 aligned to his risk assessment of the budget and the adequacy of reserves and balances to support the Council’s 2023/24 Budget be noted. 

(6) That approval be given to take the necessary steps to propose a final balanced 2023/24 Budget including any proposed Council Tax increase to be recommended for approval at the Council meeting on 23 February 2023.

The purpose of the report is to present the proposed 2023/24 Cabinet Revenue Budget. The report highlights our strategic approach to responding to the medium term financial forecasts, and our overarching priorities and desired outcomes upon which the Cabinet has based its budget proposals, and which form the basis of the Borough Plan and updated Council Plan included elsewhere on this agenda. Recognising the unprecedented uncertainty and financial pressures facing Local Government, we continue to commit to developing opportunities that enhance the lives of our residents. However, we recognise that this sits within a context of national and global uncertainty making a stable and resilient Council budget over the medium term period essential.

This report needs to be considered in conjunction with the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer’s Medium Term Financial Plan – Financial Landscape and Forecasts 2023/24 to 2025/26 report (MTFP Update report) presented elsewhere on this agenda. This report sets out the forecasts and assumptions underpinning the Council’s MTFP and the budget challenges facing the Council over the medium term period.

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

(1) Approve the Budget for 2023/24 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

(2) Note the risk assessment of the 2023/24 Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates also included at Appendix 5;

(3) Approve the required Council General Fund Balance to reflect the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer’s assessment of risks;

(4) Note, comment upon and approve the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2023/24 to 2025/26 at Appendix 6, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

(5) Approve the one-off positive investments funded by the available one-off resources; and

(6) Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 3.99% in 2023/24 (1.99% General increase, 2% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 7.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting the 2023/24 Cabinet Revenue Budget for approval and outlining the Council’s financial outlook and challenges across the medium term period 2023/24 to 2025/26.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       The proposal for the further devolution of funding to wards was highlighted and welcomed as an indicator of the intention to continue to devolve decision-making to the lowest possible level.

·       The Council had to date made reductions of £133 million in its budget, in the face of rising costs.

·       The Council was aiming to introduce the lowest rate of council tax increase in Greater Manchester.

·       Council tax remained a regressive form of taxation and in particular adult social care needed to be funded fairly through general taxation.

·       The proposed allocation of funding for free schools meals was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

(1) Approve the Budget for 2023/24 described in the report and set out in Appendix 2 and 3;

(2) Note the risk assessment of the 2023/24 Budget at Appendix 5 and the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer on the adequacy of proposed financial reserves and robustness of the estimates also included at Appendix 5;

(3) Approve the required Council General Fund Balance to reflect the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer’s assessment of risks;

(4) Note, comment upon and approve the financial forecasts and assumptions for 2023/24 to 2025/26 at Appendix 6, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the future financial challenges facing the Council;

(5) Approve the one-off positive investments funded by the available one-off resources; and

(6) Pass the appropriate Council Tax resolutions which produce a Council Tax increase of 3.99% in 2023/24 (1.99% General increase, 2% Adult Social Care Precept increase) as illustrated in Appendix 7.

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

The report proposes the 2023/24 Capital Strategy and Capital Programme, which are written in accordance with the CIPFA Prudential Code.

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

The report includes the 2023/24 to 2025/26 Capital Programme and sets out the prudential indicators, which demonstrate that the Council’s capital investment plans are affordable, prudent, and sustainable.  In addition, future plans in key areas of major capital investment have been included.

The Cabinet is recommended to ask the Council Meeting to approve:

(1) The Capital Strategy at Appendix one;

(2) The 2023/24 to 2025/26 Capital Programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix two; and,

(3) The prudential indicators set out in Appendix three.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the draft 2023/24 Capital Strategy and Capital Programme, developed in accordance with the CIPFA Prudential Code, which provided a framework for the Council’s capital investment plans.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to:-

(1) The Capital Strategy at Appendix one;

(2) The 2023/24 to 2025/26 Capital Programme and the funding arrangements as described in the report and set out at Appendix two; and,

(3) The prudential indicators set out in Appendix three.

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

This comprehensive report proposes the 2023/24 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, which are constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

The Council has delegated the role of ensuring effective scrutiny of its Treasury Management Strategy to the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee (CRMG).  As such, the views of CRMG were sought and any opinions or suggestions made have been taken into account when formulating the Council's Treasury Management Strategies for 2023/24.

Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves

(1)  The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2023/24;

(2)  The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

(3)  The Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24;

(4)  The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2023/24-2025/26;

(5)  The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2023/24.

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) detailing a proposed 2023/24 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and prudent and sustainable Treasury and Prudential Indicators, constructed in compliance with the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the 2023/24 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy the Council Meeting be recommended to approve:-

(1) The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2023/24;

(2) The Capital Expenditure Forecasts and Capital Financing Requirement projections;

(3) The Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24;

(4) The Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits 2023/24-2025/26;

(5) The Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) 2023/24.

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

The report sets out how we will carry out our responsibility, in line with the commitments made in the One Stockport Borough Plan to ensure there are sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families want to go to. This means having the right number and type of school places, in the right place, at the right time to meet demand.

The Cabinet is recommended to agree the terms outlined in the strategy and the associated investment plan outlined in the Asset Management Plan.

Officer contact: Christopher Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at 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) detailing a proposed school investment plan that set out how the council would carry out its responsibility to ensure there were sufficient places in good and improving local inclusive schools at the heart of the community that children and families want to go to

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the terms outlined in the strategy and the associated investment plan outlined in the Asset Management Plan.

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

The report seeks to formalise the plans to create a resource base at Marple Hall School, Priestnall School and Romiley Primary School; to create fit for purpose and specialised areas within these schools that will be capable of meeting more complex need within a mainstream setting. It considers the findings of two rounds of consultation as well as the statutory proposals required by the statutory ‘prescribed alteration‘ process with a view to recommending to Cabinet that they approve recommendations to formalise the creation of these bases.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the contents of this report and agree to the implementation of statutory proposals and the creation of resource provision at:

·         Marple Hall School

·         Priestnall School, and

·         Romiley Primary School

Officer contact: Christopher Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at 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) detailing proposals to formalise the plans to create a resource base at Marple Hall School, Priestnall School and Romiley Primary School; to create fit for purpose and specialised areas within these schools that will be capable of meeting more complex need within a mainstream setting and noted the statutory proposals required by the statutory ‘prescribed alteration‘ process.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the implementation of statutory proposals and the creation of resource provision at:

·       Marple Hall School

·       Priestnall School, and

·       Romiley Primary School

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

In December 2021 the Government published a white paper, People at the Heart of Care, that outlined a 10-year vision that puts personalised care and support at the heart of adult social care. 1Following the publication of the White Paper, the Department of Health and Social Care announced the Market Sustainability and Fair Cost of Care Fund for the primary purpose of supporting Local Authorities to prepare their markets for the impact of charging reform.

The Cost of Care Report (Annex B) details the outcome of the exercises undertaken with the Care Home (age 65+) market and the Domiciliary Care (age 18+) market, collating, and producing a median average of the costs incurred by those providers submitting in delivering care.

The Market Sustainability Plan (Annex C) describes the Council’s assessment of the current sustainability of local care markets, the assessment of the impact of future market changes and the Council’s plans for these markets to address the sustainability issues identified, including how fair cost of care funding will be used to address these issues over the next 1 to 3 years.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the contents of the on the attached Cost of Care Report and Provisional Stockport MBC Market Sustainability Plan and agree the publication of the Fair Cost of Care Report for the general public on the Council’s website as required by the DHSC.

Officer contact: Jon Wilkie on 07970 318461 or by email on jon.wilkie@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided the Stockport Fair Cost of Care report and Market Sustainability plan. In December 2021 the Government published a white paper, People at the Heart of Care, that outlined a 10-year vision that puts personalised care and support at the heart of adult social care. Following the publication of the White Paper, the Department of Health and Social Care announced the Market Sustainability and Fair Cost of Care Fund for the primary purpose of supporting Local Authorities to prepare their markets for the impact of charging reform.

The Cost of Care Report (Annex B) details the outcome of the exercises undertaken with the Care Home (age 65+) market and the Domiciliary Care (age 18+) market, collating, and producing a median average of the costs incurred by those providers submitting in delivering care.

The Market Sustainability Plan (Annex C) provided the Council’s assessment of the current sustainability of local care markets, the assessment of the impact of future market changes and the Council’s plans for these markets to address the sustainability issues identified, including how fair cost of care funding would be used to address these issues over the next 1 to 3 years.

RESOLVED – (1) That the contents of Fair Cost of Care Report and Provisional Stockport MBC Market Sustainability Plan be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the publication of the Fair Cost of Care Report for the general public on the Council’s website as required by the Department of Health and Social Care.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment.

The report details progress with the delivery of the Walking and Cycling Strategy and the wider commitment to active travel.

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

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

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing progress with the delivery of the Walking and Cycling Strategy and the wider commitment to active travel.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment stated the report outlined the work that was taking place across the borough but highlighted the challenge in the way that such work was funded, which was largely through piecemeal rounds of competitive funding bids.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

This report contains the proposed Equality Objectives for 2023-2027.

Through consultation with the groups and individuals listed below we have identified four objectives:

·         Stockport is a Fair and Inclusive Borough

·         To support all staff to achieve their full potential and ensure that our workforce reflects the communities we serve

·         To understand our diverse communities and their specific needs

·         To address inequality in our services

The report details the actions and measures required by each objective.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the contents of the report and approve the proposed equality objectives for 2023-2027.

Officer contact: Julie Jarman by email at: julie.jarman@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing (Councillor Helen Foster-Grime) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposed Equality Objectives for 2023-2027

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the statement and the equality objectives identified within the report.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment.

The report details a proposal to establish a Greater Manchester Joint Scrutiny Committee to scrutinise decisions of the Clean Air Charging Authorities Committee and the Clean Air Administration Committee.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to:-

(1) the establishment of a GM Clean Air Joint Scrutiny Committee.

(2) the Terms of Reference of the Committee as set out in Appendix A.

(3) the appointment a member and substitute to the Committee.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates on 0161 474 3219 or email: vicki.bates@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 establish a Greater Manchester Joint Scrutiny Committee to scrutinise decisions of the Clean Air Charging Authorities Committee and the Clean Air Administration Committee

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the establishment of a GM Clean Air Joint Scrutiny Committee.

(2) That approval be given to the Terms of Reference of the Committee as set out in Appendix A.

(3) That it be noted that the council will be required to appoint a member and substitute to the Committee.

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

The report builds on the previous report dated 6th September 2022. It provides an update on the Integrated Care System arrangements and the proposal to formally establish and constitute the One Stockport Health and Care Board (Locality Board) as a hybrid committee to undertake delegations of the GM ICB and local partners such as the Council so that it can proceed to take its own decisions rather than such decisions having to continue to be taken via the ICB’s delegated authority which is in place to the Stockport Place Based Lead (Caroline Simpson).

The Cabinet is recommended:-

(1) Note the update on the Greater Manchester and local arrangements.

(2) To give approval to the proposal to constitute the One Health and Care Board as Stockport’s Locality Board as a sub-committee of the GM ICB with hybrid board arrangements to enable the board to have delegated responsibilities to make decisions in line with the GM ICB Scheme of Delegation and the Locality s75 Pooled Budget.

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

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the on the Integrated Care System arrangements and the proposal to formally establish and constitute the One Stockport Health and Care Board (Locality Board) as a hybrid committee.

RESOLVED - (1) That the update on the Greater Manchester and local arrangements be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the proposal to constitute the One Health and Care Board as Stockport’s Locality Board as a sub-committee of the GM Integrated Care Board (GM ICB) with hybrid board arrangements to enable the board to have delegated responsibilities to make decisions in line with the GM ICB Scheme of Delegation and the Locality section 75 Pooled Budget.

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

Following the Council’s inspection by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) on 15 November 2022, the Council’s Policy and Code of Practice were updated (enclosed in the attached document). The inspection was undertaken to assess the Council’s level of compliance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA)  in respect of its use and management of covert surveillance, covert human intelligence sources and communications data.

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

Officer contact: Michelle Dodds on 0161-474-3257 or by email at michelle.dodds@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the outcome of an inspection by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office

(IPCO) on 15 November 2022 to assess the Council’s level of compliance with The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) in respect of its use and management of covert surveillance, covert human intelligence sources and communications data

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the outcome of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office inspection report be noted.

(3) That it be noted that the Council has not exercised its RIPA powers since the last report.

(4) That approval be given to the subsequent changes to the RIPA Policy/ Code of Practice following the IPCO inspection as detailed in the appendix attached to the report.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council

The Cabinet is invited to note the decisions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held on 25 November and 16 December 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 25 November and 16 December 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 Economy Regeneration.

The report seeks Cabinet approval for the acquisition of a site detailed in the confidential appendices, as well as the feasibility costs of the design and planning for the site (up to a maximum figure of £300,000, to include all legal expenses, planning and design costs).

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

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Approve the acquisition of the site using the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) Investment Facility approved by Cabinet in October 2019 as set out above and the Confidential Appendices;

(2) Approve the feasibility costs of design and planning for the site up to a maximum figure of £300,000 to include all legal expenses, planning and design costs;

(3) Delegate authority to the Director of Development and Regeneration to negotiate and agree the final terms for the acquisition of the site and to enter into all documentation required to acquire the site in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Economy and Regeneration and Finance and Resources;

(4) Delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Legal and Democratic Governance to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above resolutions.

Officer contact: Chris Carlisle by email: chris.carlisle@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 acquisition of a site detailed in the confidential appendices, as well as the feasibility costs of the design and planning for the site (up to a maximum figure of £300,000, to include all legal expenses, planning and design costs).

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

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the acquisition of the site using the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) Investment Facility approved by Cabinet in October 2019 as set out above and the Confidential Appendices;

(2) That approval be given to the feasibility costs of design and planning for the site up to a maximum figure of £300,000 to include all legal expenses, planning and design costs;

(3) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration to negotiate and agree the final terms for the acquisition of the site and to enter into all documentation required to acquire the site in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Economy and Regeneration and Finance and Resources;

(4) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director, Legal and Democratic Governance to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above resolutions.