Agenda and minutes

The Chair reported that as this was the first formal council meeting since the announcement that Caroline Simpson was to be appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, he wished to place on record the Cabinet’s thanks for her immense contribution to the work of the Council. 

It was stated that Caroline had served Stockport extremely well over the whole of her eight years at the Authority, and in particular for the last two as the Council’s Chief Executive where she had led a dedicated team of senior colleagues with flair and distinction as a committed public servant. 

The Chair congratulated Caroline on being appointed to the biggest job in local government as Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and although the Council would miss her day-to-day involvement in Stockport, it would undoubtedly be a good thing to have a powerful friend and ally at the Combined Authority.

It was emphasised that there would be no loss of momentum in the Council’s determination to take Stockport forward and plans were already being made to appoint a successor with a meeting of the Appointments Committee already scheduled to take place on 21 March 2024.  It was confirmed that the recruitment process had already started and consultants were to be appointed shortly to head up a full external recruitment process.

Finally, the Chair confirmed that Caroline would continue in her current role in the short-term and play a full part in the seamless transition to the next stage in the Council’s journey.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 30 January 2024 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.

One public question was submitted where the questioner was not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioner in writing.

To consider a report of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee

The report details the review carried out by Children & Families Scrutiny Review Panel into Services for Young People and the proposed recommendations.

The Cabinet is recommended to request that the Director of Education, Work & Skills be requested to prepare a response to the Services for Young People scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

Officer contact: Heidi Shaw on 0161 218 1100 or email: heidi.shaw@stockport.gov.uk

The Vice Chair of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee and Lead Councillor for the Review (Councillor Janet Mobbs) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review into Services for Young People (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was noted that the Stockport Youth Summit had taken place on 6 February 2024 involving high schools across the borough as well as many networks of young people from school councils to other youth forums which aimed to capture the views of young people.

·         The 7,008 diversionary holiday activities for young people that were provided by Stockport Youth Justice Service and Targeted Youth Support Service was highlighted.

·         Holiday activities and Food Programme that was run during school holidays provided an active and stimulating space for young people and makes a direct difference to children across the borough.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Director of Education, Work & Skills be requested to prepare a response to the Services for Young People scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘Services for Young People’ and others involved in the Review.

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

The report details the review carried out by Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Review Panel into IT Systems and Data and the proposed recommendations.

The Cabinet is recommended to request that the Director of Adult Social Care be requested to prepare a response to the IT Systems and Data scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

Officer contact: Georgia Latham on 0161 474 3229 or email: georgia.latham@stockport.gov.uk or Sam Powell on 0161 474 2205 or email: samantha.powell@stockport.gov.uk

The Lead Councillor for the Review (Councillor Geoff Abell) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review into IT Systems and Data (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Director of Adult Social Care be requested to prepare a response to the IT Systems and Data scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘IT Systems and Data’ and others involved in the Review.

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 three 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. 

To supplement these central reports which are tabled at Council, the Cabinet and CRMG are provided with treasury performance monitoring reports at quarter one and quarter three of the financial year. These reports detail activities undertaken, variations (if any) from agreed policies/practices and present treasury performance monitoring information. The reports, specifically, also comprise updated Treasury/Prudential Indicators.

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 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 three of 2023/24.

RESOLVED - (1) That the report and treasury activity be noted.

(2)  That approval be given to any necessary changes to the prudential indicators.

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

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of December 2023 (Quarter 3). The report also provides an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 3

(2) Note the DSG, HRA and Collection Fund forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 3;

(3) Note the update on Reserves;

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

(5) Note the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 3; and

(6) Note the 2023/24 Capital Programme Prudential Indicators.

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or by email at 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 December 2023 (Quarter 30 which also provided an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Collection Fund and updates to the Capital Programme.

It was commented that the Council’s reserves position did not make the authority an outlier, but represented a healthy position that allowed the Council to weather troughs.

RESOLVED - (1) That the cash limit and non-cash limit forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 3 be noted.

(2) That the DSG, HRA and Collection Fund forecast outturn positions for 2023/24 as at Quarter 3 be noted.

(3) That the update on Reserves be noted.

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

(5) That the changes to the Capital Programme and re-phasing of schemes during Quarter 3 be noted.

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

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

The Pay Policy Statement sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011. The statement also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The statement also incorporates the Council’s Gender Pay Gap (GPG) information in order to fulfill the Council’s obligation to publish this on an annual basis under the GPG reporting requirements.

The purpose of the statement is to provide transparency with regard to the Council’s approach to setting the pay of its employees (excluding teaching staff working in local authority schools) by confirming the methods by which salaries of Council employees are determined; the detail and level of remuneration of its most senior staff i.e. ‘chief officers’, as defined by the relevant legislation; the responsibility of the Appointments Committee to ensure the provisions set out in this statement relating to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director and Directors are applied consistently throughout the Council and recommend any amendments to the Council.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve and adopt the 2024/25 Annual Pay Policy Statement and agree to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

Officer contact: Andrea Steward on 07891949054 or email: andrea.steward@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Council’s Annual Pay Policy Statement for 224/25 and the Gender Pay Gap figures.

It was noted that the for the first time, there was a negative gender pay gap in Stockport showing that women received higher hourly rates of pay than men when calculated by either the mean or median hourly rate.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to adopt the Annual Pay Policy Statement and agree to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

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

The Asset Management Plan (AMP) capital programme is used to carry out upgrade work and improvements to buildings within the Councils operational.

This report provides detail of the AMP capital programme for 2024/25 and sets out the indicative programmes for future years

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve the programme for 2024-25 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for future years, as set out in the report;

(2) Approve the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2024/25 onwards; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) in conjunction with the Capital Board;

(3) Authorise the Director of Regeneration & Development to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

Officer contact: James Kington on 07815997564 or email: james.kington@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed Asset Management Plan (AMP) for 2023/24 setting out details of the capital programme for 2024/25 and the indicative programmes for future years.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the programme for 2024-25 and the financing thereof, and the Indicative AMP programme for future years, as set out in the report.

(2) That approval be given to the application of corporate resources to fund the AMP programme 2024/25 onwards; with the application of funding types (capital receipts and borrowing) being delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) in conjunction with the Capital Board;

(3) That the Director of Regeneration & Development be authorised to award construction contracts as required to deliver the works programme.

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

This report provides an update on the development of One Stockport One Future following engagement with local organisations, businesses, young people, and elected members (through Area Committees and CRMG Scrutiny).  Over the past year, Stockport Council has collaborated with partners to develop the next phase of our Borough Plan:?One Stockport, One Future. 

This initiative serves as a call to action, focusing on ‘Five Big Things’ that will act as long-term catalysts for positive change in our borough over the next 15 years.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve the report, accompanying presentation and engagement report to be developed into a One Future document and supporting promotional material to support with the communication of our ambition.

(2) Delegate to the Director of Strategy, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, oversight of the finalisation of the One Future document.

Officer contact: Kathryn Rees on 0161 474 3174 or email: kathryn.rees@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 development of One Stockport One Future following engagement with local organisations, businesses, young people, and elected members.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the report, accompanying presentation and engagement report to be developed into a One Future document and supporting promotional material to support with the communication of our ambition.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Director of Strategy, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, for oversight of the finalisation of the One Future document.

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

The report details a proposal to authorise the purchase of 12 recently constructed residential units at Vine Street, Hazel Grove to be used for shared ownership affordable housing.

The Cabinet is recommended approves the purchase of 12 residential properties on Vine Street Hazel Grove for use as affordable housing as described in this report, subject to the purchase conditions outlined in section 3 being met.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal to authorise the purchase of 12 recently constructed residential units at Vine Street, Hazel Grove to be used for shared ownership affordable housing.

It was stated that the Council was taking every opportunity to increase the number of affordable homes in the borough and that there were a further 170 units in the pipeline.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the purchase of 12 recently constructed residential units at Vine Street, Hazel Grove on the basis and terms outlined in the report subject to the purchase conditions outlined in section 3 being met.

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

The report requests the approval of the revised terms for the grant of a 250 year lease to Stockport County Football Club.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) approve the terms of the proposed 250 year lease between the Council and Stockport County Football Club; and

(2) Delegate authority to the Director of Development and Regeneration and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to complete the transaction; and

(3) Delegate authority for the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance), to take such steps and complete such agreements as are necessary to implement the resolutions recommended in this report and any decisions properly made under authority delegated by these resolutions

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for revised terms for the grant of a 250 year lease of Edgeley Park to Stockport County Football Club.

(1) That approval be given to the terms of the proposed 250 year lease for Edgeley Park between the Council and Stockport County Football Club.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Director of Development and Regeneration and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate and Support Services), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources to complete the transaction; and

(3) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance), to take such steps and complete such agreements as are necessary to implement the resolutions recommended in this report and any decisions properly made under authority delegated by these resolutions.

 To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport.

This report contains the proposed Anti-Poverty objectives for 2024-2027.

The proposed objectives are:

·         To ensure a strategic and systematic approach to anti-poverty work is in place which is rooted in the lived experience of people experiencing poverty.

·         To maximise the income of residents through access to fairly paid, flexible and good quality work.

·         To maximise the income of residents through provision of high quality easy to access advice including on benefit entitlements.

·         To provide support to residents in a financial crisis.

·         To prevent next-generation poverty by working with children, young people and their families.

·         To increase the numbers of people in affordable and stable housing and reduce homelessness.

The Cabinet is recommended to note the contents of the report and approve the proposed Anti-Poverty objectives for 2024-2027.

Officer contact: Jilla Burgess-Allen at jilla.burgess-allen@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport (Councillor Frankie Singleton) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining proposed Anti-Poverty objectives for 2024-2027 that aimed to set out priorities for tackling poverty.

It was commented that there had been positive engagement with the Communities & Transport Scrutiny Committee that had contributed to the development of the proposed objectives.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that approval be given to the proposed Anti-Poverty objectives for 2024-2027.

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

The Council has an enduring statutory responsibility to commission sufficient high quality school places. This document is the third annual revision of our plan and sets out how we will carry out our responsibility, in line with the commitments made in the Borough Plan and School Strategy 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:-

(1) Agree the terms outlined in the strategy and the associated investment detailed in the Education Asset Management Plan (Appendix 2).

(2) Delegate authority to the Director for Development and Regeneration to procure the works and services, and subsequently determine the outcome of any contract award process for any project specified in the asset management plan.

(3) Delegate authority to the Director for Education, Work, and Skills and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into funding agreements with schools and to release basic need funding to schools who are working with the LA to create additional mainstream or resource base places as specified in the 2023/24 asset management plan approved by Cabinet in January 2023 and the 2024/25 asset management plan in Appendix 2 of this report.

(4) Delegate authority to the Director of Education, Work, and Skills and Deputy Chief Executive to determine the allocation of up to £2m of basic need funds to schools who work with the LA to create additional mainstream or resource base places in the secondary phase.

(5) Delegate authority to the Director for Education, Work, and Skills and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into funding agreements with schools determined in the above and to release basic need funding to those schools.

Officer Contact: Chris Harland on 0161 474 3694 or email: christopher.harland@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 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 - (1) That approval be given to the terms outlined in the strategy and the associated investment detailed in the Education Asset Management Plan (Appendix 2).

(2) That authority be delegated to the Director for Development and Regeneration to procure the works and services, and subsequently determine the outcome of any contract award process for any project specified in the asset management plan.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Director for Education, Work, and Skills and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into funding agreements with schools and to release basic need funding to schools who are working with the LA to create additional mainstream or resource base places as specified in the 2023/24 asset management plan approved by Cabinet in January 2023 and the 2024/25 asset management plan in Appendix 2 of this report.

(4) That authority be delegated to the Director of Education, Work, and Skills and Deputy Chief Executive to determine the allocation of up to £2m of basic need funds to schools who work with the LA to create additional mainstream or resource base places in the secondary phase.

(5) That authority be delegated to the Director for Education, Work, and Skills and Deputy Chief Executive to enter into funding agreements with schools determined in the above and to release basic need funding to those schools.

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

This report outlines the commissioning proposals and 2024/25 fee setting for the most significant areas of externally commissioned service provision for adults with care needs: Care Homes in Stockport; Home Support to enable people to live in their homes for longer; Day Care Services and Learning Disability Services.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the fee setting approach, including fee uplifts, as detailed in the report.

Officer contact: Jon Wilkie on 07970 318461 or email: 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) outlining the commissioning proposals and 2024/25 fee setting for the most significant areas of externally commissioned service provision for adults with care needs.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the fee setting approach, including fee uplifts, as detailed in the report.

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

This report details proposals for a new iteration of the Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund, which include two funding streams: the CAN Catalyst Fund and the CAN Seed Fund. The CAN Catalyst Fund would enable larger, high impact projects with allocation of funding assessed and determined by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment with support from the CAN team. The CAN Seed Fund would support smaller-scale projects delivered at a ward level.

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Share feedback on the plans for the Stockport CAN Fund.

(2) Endorse approach for next iteration of Stockport CAN Fund

Officer contact: Nick Leslie on 07775804984 or email: nick.leslie@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for a new iteration of the Climate Action Now (CAN) Fund, which included two funding streams: the CAN Catalyst Fund and the CAN Seed Fund

RESOLVED – That the approach detailed in the report for next iteration of Stockport CAN Fund be approved and endorsed.

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

The planning system in England has undergone a period of significant change over recent years. During this time multiple new types of applications have been introduced and most recently an increased focus is being placed on the importance of making timely decisions.

In light of the changes to the planning system and the increased emphasis placed on the speed and quality of planning decisions it is considered necessary to consider the need to make a number of changes to the scheme of delegation for the determination of planning applications. In parallel it is also considered appropriate to review the Planning Protocol to ensure that it reflects accurately long-standing custom and practice in how we exercise our planning powers.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meetings approves and adopts the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation for Determining Planning Applications and the Planning Protocol.

Officer contact: Emma Curle on 0161 474 3542 or email: emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to make a number of changes to the scheme of delegation for the determination of planning applications and amendments to the Planning Protocol to ensure that it reflects accurately long-standing custom and practice in how the Council exercised its planning powers

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation for Determining Planning Applications and the Planning Protocol as detailed in the report and associated appendices.

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

The report details a proposal for the Council to undertake enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members undertaking specified duties.  It is proposed that Members that are appointed to the following bodies would now be subject to an enhanced DBS check:-

·         Cabinet

·         Children & Families Scrutiny Committee

·         Adult Social Care & Health Scrutiny Committee

·         Corporate Parenting Working Party

·         Adoption Panel

·         Fostering Panel

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the proposals detailed in Section 4 of the report for the undertaking of enhanced DBS checks for elected members.

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

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the Council to undertake enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members undertaking specified duties.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the proposals detailed in Section 4 of the report for the undertaking of enhanced DBS checks for elected 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 27 January, 9 February and 23 February 2024.

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 27 January, 9 February and 23 February 2024.

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.