Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 June 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 June 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

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

No public questions were submitted.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.

The following representations have been received:-

At the time of publication no representations have been received.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) invited the Cabinet to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of agenda item 18 – ‘Hazel Grove Ambulance Station’ as it contained information that was ‘not for publication’ within its appendices.

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public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be excluded from the meeting in the eventuality it was necessary to discuss the information contained within the ‘not for publication’ appendix to agenda item 18 ‘Hazel Grove Ambulance Station’ (see Minute 6 below).

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

The report updates Cabinet on the delivery of a new ambulance station on the site of Hazel Grove Park and Ride which will replace the existing Ambulance Service (NWAS) facility at Travis Brow. The rationale for the relocation of the ambulance station was approved following a report to Cabinet in January 2023.

(NOTE: An appendix to the report contains information ‘not for publication’ which has been circulated to the Cabinet only).

Subject to planning consent being secured, the Cabinet is recommended to:

(1)  Approve use of the MDC Investment Facility to fund the development costs for the replacement ambulance station at Hazel Grove as set out in Appendix 2 using the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

(2) Delegate authority to the Director Development and Regeneration and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into the legal documentation with NWAS to facilitate a ‘land swap’ following completion of the new ambulance station.  

(3) 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 on 07764 840405 or by email: chris.carlisle@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the delivery of a new ambulance station on the site of Hazel Grove Park and Ride which will replace the existing Ambulance Service (NWAS) facility at Travis Brow.

(NOTE: An appendix to the report contained information ‘not for publication’ which had been circulated to the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED – That, subject to appropriate planning consent being secured:-

(1)  Approval be given to the use of the Mayoral Development Corporation Investment Facility to fund the development costs for the replacement ambulance station at Hazel Grove as set out in Appendix 2.

(2) Authority be delegated to the Director Development and Regeneration and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into the legal documentation with North West Ambulance Service to facilitate a ‘land swap’ following completion of the new ambulance station. 

(3) 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.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

Part A outlines the outcome of the review of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2023/24 to 2025/26.The review revisits the assumptions and forecasts underpinning the MTFP, given the changes in the unprecedented adverse national economic conditions in terms of increasing inflationary costs, increasing interest rates and increasing demand for services, to ensure they continue to be based on the latest available information.

The report highlights the expected budgetary impact which Councils are facing due to significant inflationary costs and increasing service demand, particularly for those services supporting the most vulnerable.

Due to the uncertainty, volatility, and risk inherent within the financial landscape it is recommended that the MTFP continues to be an iterative process, and that the underpinning assumptions and forecasts are retested throughout the year and reported to Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees as part of the Council’s ongoing 2024/25 budget setting process.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Note the outcomes of the MTFP Update including the continuing financial scarring impacts of the pandemic, the increased inflationary pressures including pay award, 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 slightly decreased to £10.861m in 2024/25 rising to £44.059m in 2027/28 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 2024/25 budget setting process; and

(5) Approve the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the Council’s 2024/25 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 Jilly Julian) 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) 2023/24 to 2025/26 including the underpinning MTFP forecasts and assumptions and given the changes in the unprecedented adverse national economic conditions in terms of increasing inflationary costs, increasing interest rates and increasing demand for services, to ensure they continue to be based on the latest available information.

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 inflationary pressures including pay award, 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 slightly decreased to £10.861m in 2024/25 rising to £44.059m in 2027/28 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 2024/25 budget setting process; and

(5) Approved the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the Council’s 2024/25 Budget and MTFP.

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

Part B outlines the Cabinet’s response to addressing the uncertainty, volatility and risk outlined within the review of the MTFP. The Cabinet’s focus is on delivering impactful and outcomes-focused transformational change for communities and businesses across Stockport. A resilient and robust budget is key to this.

Our evolving strategy to address the medium term budget challenges are focused around budget adjustments, local taxation considerations, the use of reserves and change proposals. Our focus on redesigning services to support residents to reduce reliance on long term services, ensuring our commissioning and procurement process is offering effective value for money, reviewing staffing and non-staffing spend alongside service reviews to automate processes and increase self service account for our change proposals that support the budget challenges.

The report provides an overview of the approach the Cabinet will be taking to respond to the financial impact identified in the Part A report. This will involve careful consideration of a series of budget options and some difficult decisions to ensure that the Council continues to have a balanced budget. Delivering a longer term transformation programme alongside more immediate financial decisions will be key to its success.

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 MTFP response and transformation programme.

Officer contact: Gill Lawton on  0161 474 3686 or email: gill.lawton@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hutner) and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Cabinet’s proposed response to addressing the uncertainty, volatility and risk outlined within the review of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) with a focus on delivering impactful and outcomes-focused transformational change for communities and businesses across Stockport. 

The report further provided an overview of the approach the Cabinet will be taking to respond to the financial impact identified in the Part A report which would involve careful consideration of a series of budget options and some difficult decisions to ensure that the Council continued to have a balanced budget.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Council had a reputation for sound financial management.

·         However, it was noted that the financial challenges that the council currently faced had never been as pronounced as they were at the moment.

·         It was stated that all investments made by the council were prudent and all borrowing was affordable and sustainable.

·         The Council remained financially resilient and robust and focused on meeting the current challenges as well as delivering its ambitions for borough at large.

·         It was stated that the difficulties in providing a balanced budget were not underestimated, but that the Cabinet would not shy away from making difficult decisions to achieve this outcome.

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 MTFP response and transformation programme.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and 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 2023 (Quarter 1+). The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1)  Approve the virements to the Revenue Budget;

(2)  Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 1+;

(3)  Note the update on Reserves;

(4)  Note the DSG and HRA forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 1+;

(5)  Note the forecast position for the 2023/24 Capital Programme;

(6)  Note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 1+;

(7)  Note the 2023/24 Capital Programme Prudential Indicators; and

(8)  Approve the debt write off as detailed in appendix 2.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) 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 2023 (Quarter 1+) which included an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme.

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

(2)  That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 1+ be noted.

(3)  That the update on Reserves be noted.

(4)  That the DSG and HRA forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 1+ be noted.

(5)  That the forecast position for the 2023/24 Capital Programme be noted.

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

(7)  That the 2023/24 Capital Programme Prudential Indicators be noted.

(8)  That approval be given to the debt write off as detailed in appendix 2.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2022/23 outturn position. The report needs to be read in conjunction with the Medium Term Financial Plan Update and Cabinet Response – Responding to Our Medium Term Financial Plan reports presented elsewhere on this agenda.??

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the annual review of Council’s 2023/24 Reserves Policy including the level and rationale for the reserves held;

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

(3) Approve the proposed 2023/24 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 Jilly Julian) 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 2022/23 outturn position.

RESOLVED - (1) That the annual review of Council’s 2023/24 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 2023/24 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 2022/23. 

Throughout 2022/23 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:

(1) Approve the actual 2022/23 prudential and treasury indicators in this report;

(2) Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2022/23.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Annual Report on the functioning of the Council’s Treasury Management functions for 2022/23.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

(1) Approve the actual 2022/23 prudential and treasury indicators in this report.

(2) Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2022/23.

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 quarter one of 2023/24.

The Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2023/24 approved by Council on 23 February 2023, outlined that the Council is required to receive and approve, as a minimum, three main reports each year, which incorporate a variety of polices, estimates and actuals. 

This quarter one report therefore updates Members with progress on the treasury and capital position of the Council.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the report, the treasury activity and recommend approval of any changes to the prudential indicators.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the operation and effectiveness of the Council's Treasury Management function for quarter one of 2023/24.

RESOLVED – That the report and the treasury activity be noted.

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

The report provides an opportunity to define, refine and reorganise our thinking and our approach to ensure that we have a school system which is fit for purpose, sustainable, able to respond to the needs of children in our borough and meet the requirements of the current national policy agenda.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Agree the Schools Strategy outlined in Appendix One of this reporting, noting the 6 priorities identified in it.

(2) Agree the success measures identified in the Strategy and agree that an annual update will be provided on its delivery

Officer contact: Tim Bowman on 07977 661073 or email: tim.bowman@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed Schools Strategy that provided an opportunity to define, refine and reorganise thinking and approach to ensure that Stockport had a school system which was fit for purpose, sustainable, able to respond to the needs of children in our borough and met the requirements of the current national policy agenda.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Schools Strategy outlined in Appendix One of this report be agreed, noting the 6 priorities identified in it.

(2) That the success measures identified in the Strategy be agreed and that an annual update be provided on its delivery.

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

The report provides an update on the design, construction and plans to animate the park on top of the new Interchange to gauge the views of members and to facilitate contribution to the final development stage prior to the grand opening in Spring 2024.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1)  Note the report and progress in the park;

(2)  Support the use of existing funding to maintain and develop the space.

Officer contacts: Emma Stubbs on 07811 591 429 or email: emma.stubbs@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the design, construction and plans to animate the new Interchange Park on top of the Stockport Interchange development.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Council had worked with Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police at all stages to ensure that the park would be secure by design.

·         The park would be well-lit and well-used such that people would feel safe and comfortable using the park without the need for significant physical security interventions, although it was noted that security measures had been designed into the park.

·         The success of Stockport in delivering a new town centre park was highlighted.

·         It was noted and welcomed that the play equipment had been designed to be inclusive.

·         The environmental credentials of the park and interchange development were highlighted including the measures to hold back water during periods of heavy rainfall rather than discharging it straight into the river.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report and progress in the park be note..

(2)  That the proposed for the use of existing funding to maintain and develop the space be supported.

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

The report outlines the latest review of Stockport Council’s Modern Slavery Statement (2022/23) and presents the refreshed iteration of the Statement (2023/24) for Cabinet’s comment and approval.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve and adopt the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement 2023/24.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the latest review of Stockport Council’s Modern Slavery Statement (2022/23) and presenting the refreshed iteration of the Statement (2023/24) for Cabinet’s comment and approval.

RESOLVED – That the Stockport Council Modern Slavery Statement 2023/24 be approved and adopted.

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

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of complaints handled by the council and give examples of lessons learnt from complaints during 2022-23. 

This report includes complaints received by the local authority that are managed by service managers across the council and the Complaints Team.?

The Cabinet is recommended to note:-

(1)  the information contained in the Annual Complaints Report, and

(2)  the positive progress being taken to improve complaints handling across the council.

Officer contacts: Emma Handby on 0161 474 3175 or email emma.handby@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of complaints handled by the council and giving examples of lessons learnt from complaints during 2022-23.

RESOLVED - That the information contained in the Annual Complaints Report, including the positive progress being taken to improve complaints handling across the council, be noted.

To give approval to the appointment of councillors to the following outside bodies:-

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of councillors to the following outside bodies:-

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 30 June and 28 July 2023.

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 30 June and 28 July 2023.

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.