Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 12 March 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.

The following interests were declared:-

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.

Three public questions were submitted where the questioners were not in attendance at the meeting and in accordance with the Code of Practice, the Chief Executive was requested to respond to the questioners in writing.

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is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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

RESOLVED – That in order to prevent the disclosure of information which was not for publication relating to the financial or business affairs of the any particular person (including the authority), the disclosure of which would not be in the public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 agenda items 14 – ‘Fleet Management Loan Facility (F&R33) and 15 – ‘Stockport MDC Draft Strategic Business Plan 2024-2029 (ER&H10)’ in the eventuality it was necessary to discuss the information contained within the ‘not for publication’ appendices.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Annual Corporate Performance and Resource Report (CPRR) for 2023/24 provides a summary of progress in delivering the council’s priority outcomes up to 31 March 2024, with a particular focus on the final quarter of 2023/24 (January to March 2024).

The report reflects the 2023/24 Council Plan, MTFP and Portfolio priorities. It includes:

·         An overview of corporate delivery and performance (including brief highlights from the seven individual Portfolio Reports).

·         A detailed financial update, including, the outturn position on revenue and capital.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the key delivery and performance issues from the council’s seven portfolios set out in sections 1.3 and 1.4.

(2) Review progress against delivering council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget outturns contained within the report.

(3) Note the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit outturn positions for 2023/24 as set out in section 2.3.

(4) Note the update to the council’s positive investments as set out in section 2.4.

(5)  Note the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund outturn positions as set out in sections 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7.

(6) Note the appropriations to/from reserves and balances during the period as set out in section 2.8 and note the resulting reserves and balances position at outturn.

(7) Note the position for the 2023/24 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1.

(8) Note the adjustments of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 3.2.

(9) Approve the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 3.3.

(1) Approve the 2023/24 prudential indicators as set out in section 3.4.

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

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a summary of the progress in delivering the council’s priority outcomes up to 31 March 2024 with a particular focus on the final quarter of 2023/24 (January to March 2024).

RESOLVED - (1) That the key delivery and performance issues from the council’s seven portfolios set out in sections 1.3 and 1.4 be noted,

(2) That progress against delivering council priorities and capital schemes alongside budget outturns contained within the report be noted.

(3) That the Cash Limit and Non-Cash Limit outturn positions for 2023/24 as set out in section 2.3 be noted.

(4) That the update to the council’s positive investments as set out in section 2.4 be noted,

(5)  That the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account and Collection Fund outturn positions as set out in sections 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 be noted.

(6) That the appropriations to/from reserves and balances during the period as set out in section 2.8 and note the resulting reserves and balances position at outturn be noted.

(7) That the position for the 2023/24 Capital Programme as set out in section 3.1 be noted.

(8) That the adjustments of capital schemes during the quarter as set out in section 3.2 be noted.

(9) That approval be given to the resourcing of the capital programme as set out in section 3.3.

(10) That approval be given to the 2023/24 prudential indicators as set out in section 3.4.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Draft Portfolio Agreements for 2024/25 were considered by Scrutiny Committees during the June 2024 Scrutiny cycle. These reflect the priorities set out in the 2024-27 Council Plan and 2024/25 budgets within the Medium-Term Financial Plan, along with the portfolio responsibilities.

The agreements relate to the seven Cabinet portfolios and the final versions of the seven Portfolio Agreements are now presented to Cabinet for approval. These will form the basis for reporting on delivery of priorities and spending plans to Scrutiny Committees during 2024/25.

The Cabinet is recommended to note and give approval to the seven portfolio agreements.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Portfolio Performance and Resources Agreements 2024/25 which reflected the priorities set out in the 2024-27 Council Plan and 2024/25 budgets within the Medium-Term Financial Plan, along with the portfolio responsibilities.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the 2024/25 Portfolio Agreements.

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

The report provides details relating to the School Holiday and Term dates for Local Authority maintained and voluntary controlled schools within the borough for academic years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the outcome of the consultation as detailed in Appendix 1;

(2) Give approval to the school holiday and term dates for academic years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 as detailed in Appendix 2.

Officer contact: Chris Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email to 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 proposed School Holiday and Term dates for Local Authority maintained and voluntary controlled schools within the borough for academic years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28.

RESOLVED - (1) That the outcome of the consultation as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the school holiday and term dates for academic years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Education, Work and Skills.

The report provides details relating to the continued work of the team and seeks to formalise plans to create a resource base at Tithe Barn Primary School and St Paul’s CE Primary School and 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 the statutory proposals required by the statutory ‘prescribed alteration process recommending the creation of these bases be approved.

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 St Paul’s CE Primary School, and Tithe Barn Primary School as detailed within the report.

Officer contact: Chris Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at 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 plans to create a resource base at Tithe Barn Primary School and St Paul’s CE Primary School and to create fit for purpose and specialised areas within these schools that will be capable of meeting more complex need within a mainstream setting.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the implementation of statutory proposals and the creation of resource provision at St Paul’s CE Primary School, and Tithe Barn Primary School as detailed within the report.

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

This report seeks approval and authorisation to commission a capital scheme that enables the replacement of the existing Local Area Network (LAN) and Wi-Fi system. The current WiFi equipment is over ten years old and about five years beyond the industry standard expected working life. Some of the LAN equipment is approaching 20 years old.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve:-

(1) The replacement of the existing Aruba wifi solution with a completely new Cisco solution, this would tie in more with the strategic direction of the GM One network.

(2) The replacement of all local Area Network (LAN) equipment with new cisco switching infrastructure.

(3) That the council moves to an industry standard 5 year lifecycle management programme for this critical network infrastructure.

(4) The funding of the capital and revenue costs of the recommended options as set out in section 8 of the report.

Officer contact: Adrian Davies on 0161 474 5452 or email adrian.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Jilly Julian) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals to commission a capital scheme that would enable the replacement of the existing Local Area Network (LAN) and Wi-Fi system.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the replacement of the existing Aruba wifi solution with a completely new Cisco solution, this would tie in more with the strategic direction of the GM One network.

(2) That approval be given to the replacement of all local Area Network (LAN) equipment with new cisco switching infrastructure.

(3) That approval be given to the council moving to an industry standard 5 year lifecycle management programme for this critical network infrastructure.

(4) That approval be given to the funding of the capital and revenue costs of the recommended options as set out in section 8 of the report.

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

The report provides an update on the revisions agreed by the Joint STAR Committee on 15 April 2024 to the council’s Contract Procedure Rules to include current legislation for Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting give approval to the proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution, as detailed in the report.

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) providing an update on revisions agreed by the Joint STAR Committee on 15 April 2024 to the council’s Contract Procedure Rules to include current legislation for Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

RESOLED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution, as detailed in the report.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) approve the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2024/25, as set out in the attached Schedule;

(2) authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting.

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

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider nominations of councillors to serve on outside bodies for 2024/25.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the appointment or nomination for appointment of Council representatives to outside and associated bodies for 2024/25, as set out in the attached Schedule.

(2) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant party group leader, to finalise the schedule of appointments and nominations prior to the next ordinary Cabinet Meeting on 17 September 2024.

On:-

(a)  Matters (if any) referred to the Cabinet Meeting

(b)  Any called-in Cabinet Executive Decisions

There were no recommendations to consider.

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

The report makes a recommendation for a new loan facility for fleet at Totally Local Company Ltd (TLC). This new loan, along with consideration of leasing will enable the Environmental Services Strategy which is currently being devised.

(NOTE: An appendix to this report contains information ‘Not for Publication’ that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:

(1) Approve the provision of a loan facility to TLC to implement the Environmental Services Strategy with the terms of individual tranches, together with a financial appraisal, delegated to the Assistant Director, Finance/Deputy S151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

(2) Delegate extensions to the value of the facility to the Assistant Director, Finance/Deputy S151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

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) detailing proposals for a new loan facility for fleet at Totally Local Company Ltd (TLC). This new loan, along with consideration of leasing will enable the Environmental Services Strategy which is currently being devised.

(NOTE: An appendix to this report contained information ‘Not for Publication’ that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to the provision of a loan facility to TLC to implement the Environmental Services Strategy with the terms of individual tranches, together with a financial appraisal, delegated to the Assistant Director, Finance/Deputy S151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

(2) That authority to make extensions to the value of the facility be delegated to the Assistant Director, Finance/Deputy S151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

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

The Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation was created in September 2019 to deliver the Council’s ambitious agenda to deliver a new residential neighbourhood adjacent to the existing Town Centre, increase the long-term viability of the whole town centre, and regenerate Stockport’s Town Centre West. It will deliver the long-term vision for the area as set out in the Strategic Regeneration Framework for Town Centre West which the Council approved in November 2019.

To ensure that there is appropriate democratically accountable oversight and influence over the MDC, the Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have both formally agreed that the MDC will produce a Strategic Business Plan that specifies what activity the MDC will undertake and the Business Plan will be submitted to the Council and GMCA for approval.

This plan is the fifth Business Plan produced by the MDC since its creation.

(NOTE: An appendix to this report contains information ‘Not for Publication’ that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the full MDC Strategic Business Plan for the period 2024–2029 at Appendix A to the report.

Officer contact: Frances Jones on 0161 218 1910 or email  frances.jones@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation Business Plan 2024-29 and outlining the MDC’s delivery achievements from 2019-24 and the future challenges to be faced and the strategic objectives of the MDC for this period and a series of delivery commitments to translate these into action.

(NOTE: An appendix to this report contained information ‘Not for Publication’ that has been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the full MDC Strategic Business Plan for the period 2024–2029 at Appendix A to the report.