Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 June and 19 July 2024.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings held on 25 June and 19 July 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.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) reported that following consultation with him, the Chief Executive had taken urgent action under the constitution on 29 August 2024 to appoint Councillor Jake Austin in place of Councillor Lisa Smart on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Scrutiny Committee.

It was stated that the decision had been taken as urgent action to ensure that the Council had an appointed member in place should a meeting of the scrutiny committee be convened in advance of this meeting of the Cabinet.

RESOLVED – That the action be noted.

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it is in the public to exclude the public during consideration of the following agenda items which contain information “not for publication” and to consider any representations received to the notice of the intention to consider exempt information at this meeting.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 20 – ‘Marple Active Communities Hub’ and agenda item 21 – ‘ Stockport Exchange - Acquisition 72 / 74 Wellington Road South Use Of Compulsory Purchase Order Powers’ as they contained information that was ‘not for publication’ within their appendices.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 agenda item 20 – ‘Marple Active Communities Hub’ and agenda item 21 – ‘ Stockport Exchange - Acquisition 72 / 74 Wellington Road South Use Of Compulsory Purchase Order Powers’ in the eventuality it was necessary to discuss the information contained within the ‘not for publication’ appendices.

To consider a report of the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Review Panel 2023/24.

The report details the review carried out by the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Review Panel into Stockport’s Communal Corridors: Securing the Safety, Cleanliness and Biodiversity.

That the Director of Place Management be requested to prepare a response to the Stockport's Communal Corridors: Securing the Safety, Cleanliness and Biodiversity scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

Officer contact: Jacqueline Kramer on 0161 474 2978 or email jacqueline.kramer@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet received the final report of the Scrutiny Review into Stockport's Communal Corridors: Securing the Safety, Cleanliness and Biodiversity (copies of which had been circulated).

It was commented that while the Scrutiny Review Panel was broadly supportive of the actions that the council was undertaking with regard to alleyway greening and gully cleaning, a number of comments had been made in relation to potential improvements in communications in these areas of activity.

RESOLVED - (1) The Director of Place Management be requested to prepare a response to the ‘Stockport's Communal Corridors: Securing the Safety, Cleanliness and Biodiversity’ scrutiny review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

(2) The gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘Stockport's Communal Corridors: Securing the Safety, Cleanliness and Biodiversity’ and others involved in the Review.’

To consider a report of the Assistant Director for Finance (Interim Section 151 Officer).

Part A outlines the outcome of the review of the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update 2024/25 to 2028/29.

The review highlights the continuing financial challenges as a result of significant budget pressures due to inflationary costs and increasing need for services, and the adjustments needed to the approved MTFP forecasts and assumptions in order to present the most accurate forecast of the council’s financial position and saving requirement over the medium-term period.

It is recommended that the updating of the MTFP continues to be iterative and the underpinning MTFP forecasts and assumptions retested throughout the year and reported to Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees as part of the council’s 2025/26 budget setting process.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the outcomes of the MTFP update including the identified core budget pressures in Children’s and Education services, the fleet loan facility vehicle depreciation, 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 decreased to £24.517m in 2025/26 rising to £61.898m in 2028/29 as a result of the adjustments 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 2025/26 budget setting process; and

(5) Approve the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the council’s in-year financial position, the 2025/26 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) detailing the outcomes of the review of the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) update 2024/25 to 2028/29 which highlighted the continuing financial challenges as a result of significant budget pressures due to inflationary costs and increasing need for services, and the adjustments needed to the approved MTFP forecasts and assumptions in order to present the most accurate forecast of the council’s financial position and saving requirement over the medium-term period.

The Cabinet Member commended the ongoing work of officers that had meant that the council remained well-placed to tackle the ongoing financial constraints that the local government sector found itself in.  It was further stated that notwithstanding these financial challenges, the council remained optimistic for the borough and its residents.

RESOLVED - (1) That the outcomes of the MTFP update including the identified core budget pressures in Children’s and Education services, the fleet loan facility vehicle depreciation, and the highlighted changes to the MTFP forecasts and assumptions approved in February be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the forecast and assumption adjustments as a result of the MTFP Update outlined in the report.

(3) That it be noted that the council’s savings requirement has decreased to £24.517m in 2025/26 rising to £61.898m in 2028/29 as a result of the adjustments highlighted and subject to further review and updates during the financial year.

(4) That it be 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 2025/26 budget setting process.

(5) That approval be given to the recommended use of one-off resources identified during the financial year to support the council’s in-year financial position, the 2025/26 Budget and MTFP.

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

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 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.

A key area of focus remains on our neighbourhood and prevention programme, proactively working together with partners to address growing areas of spend and increasing need for support, working intensively with vulnerable families and young people, enabling us to reduce our longer term spend and enable better outcomes for families in Stockport.

We recognise that alongside our longer-term ambitions, we must deliver good quality services for the people of Stockport. We need to push further on delivering services that the most efficient and effective way possible, focusing on the right things, maximising the benefit of the Stockport pound for our residents.

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;

(2) Support the ongoing development of our MTFP response and transformation programme

Officer contact: Jonathan Davies on 0161 218 1025 or email:  jonathan.davies@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 outcomes-focused transformational change for communities and businesses across Stockport. 

RESOLVED - (1) That the approach be noted, and the next steps endorsed including agreeing to share with scrutiny, for comment, the proposals which support a resilient and sustainable MTFP.

(2) That the ongoing development of our MTFP response and transformation programme be supported.

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

The report provides an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of June 2024 (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 2024/25 as at Quarter 1;

(3) Note the DSG and HRA forecast outturn positions for 2024/25 as at Quarter 1;

(4) Note the update on Reserves;

(5) Note the forecast position for the 2024/25 Capital Programme;

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

(7) Note the 2024/25 Capital Programme Prudential Indicators.

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) providing an update on the revenue budget forecast outturn for the period to the end of June 2024 (Quarter 1) which included an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and updates to the Capital Programme, and has:-

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 2024/25 as at Quarter 1 be noted.

(3) That the DSG and HRA forecast outturn positions for 2024/25 as at Quarter 1 be noted.

(4) That the update on Reserves be noted.

(5) That the forecast position for the 2024/25 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 2024/25 Capital Programme Prudential Indicators be noted.

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 2023/24. 

Throughout 2023/24 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 Assistant Director for Finance (Interim 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 recommended to request that the Council Meeting:

(1) Approve the actual 2023/24 prudential and treasury indicators in this report.

(2) Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2023/24.

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 2023/24.

RESOLVED – That the Council Meeting be recommended to:-

(1) Approve the actual 2023/24 prudential and treasury indicators in this report.

(2) Note the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2023/24.

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 2024/25.

The Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2024/25 approved by Council on 22 February 2024, 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 2024/25.

RESOLVED – That the report treasury activity be noted and that approval be given to any changes to the prudential indicators.

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

The report provides the outcome of the annual review of the Council’s Reserves Policy following the reporting of the Council’s 2023/24 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 2024/25 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.

(3) Approve the proposed 2024/25 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 2023/24 outturn position.

RESOLVED - (1) That the annual review of Council’s 2024/25 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 2024/25 Reserves Policy.

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

This report seeks to present to Cabinet the ‘City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) – A6 Corridor Improving Journeys’ project for comment.  This was subject to a consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses along the A6 Corridor, has been reported to, and has resolutions from, the Heatons and Reddish and Central Stockport Area Committees and received comments and recommendations from Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

The Cabinet is requested to note the commentary in the above report and  approve the implementation of the recommendations contained in Section 6 of the Area Committee report (see Appendix 2) and the related appendices.

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

The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed A6 Corridor Improvement scheme that extended from Crossley Road in the north, on the boundary with Manchester to Heaton Road in the south immediately north of Stockport town centre.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       The development of cycling infrastructure was an important part of encouraging model shift.

·       Members expressed their thanks to officers for the significant work that had been undertaken in developing this scheme.

·       The scheme had been subject to extensive consultation, including with area and scrutiny committees and it was noted that it now had the support of local members.

·       The approach of the council to facilitating active travel provision as part of wider schemes such as this, was welcomed.

·       It was noted that in recent years, bus patronage in Greater Manchester had reduced, and schemes such as this were an important element in arresting that decline.

·       It was noted that the sustainability of schemes such as capped bus fares were predicated on seeing an increase in patronage.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the implementation of the recommendations detailed at Appendix 2 to the report and associated further appendices.

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

The report is the refreshed Children and Young People Plan 2024-2027 that the Stockport Family Partnership Board have collaborated to develop. The Plan reflects the shared partnership priorities from our One Stockport Borough Plan, ‘One Stockport: One Future’ and the Greater Manchester shared priorities for children and young people; and is aligned with other key strategy documents including the Stockport Council Plan and the Stockport Safeguarding Children Partnership Plan. The plan also provides a focus on the children and families responsibilities set out in the Stockport One Health and Care Plan.

The Cabinet is recommended to endorse the Children and Young People Plan and to request that it be adopted by the Council Meeting.

Officer contact: Chris McLoughlin on 0161 474 4624 or by email: chris.mcloughlin@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a refreshed Children and Young People Plan 2024-2027 that the Stockport Family Partnership Board had collaborated to develop.

The Plan reflected the shared partnership priorities from the One Stockport Borough Plan, ‘One Stockport: One Future’ and the Greater Manchester shared priorities for children and young people; and was aligned with other key strategy documents including the Stockport Council Plan and the Stockport Safeguarding Children Partnership Plan. The plan also provided a focus on the children and families responsibilities set out in the Stockport One Health and Care Plan.

RESOLVED – That the Children and Young People Plan be endorsed and that the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt it.

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

The Youth Justice Plan is a statutory annual plan that is required under Section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It sets out the Youth Offending Partnership’s responsibilities in producing this plan. It states that it is the duty of each local authority, after consultation with the partner agencies, to formulate and implement an annual youth justice plan. The Youth Justice Plan must be submitted to the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for England and Wales and published in accordance with the directions of the Secretary of State.

The Cabinet is requested to endorse the report and recommend that the Council Meeting adopt the Youth Justice Plan.

Officer contact: Jacqui Belfield-Smith on 07800 617 569 or email: jacqui.belfield-smith@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the Youth Justice Plan 2024/2025 which outlined achievements against last years’ plan, priorities for the future and opportunities/ challenges for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED – That the endorse Youth Justice Plan 2024/25 be endorsed  and that the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt it.

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

The SEND Strategy 2024-2027 is a refresh of the previous strategy, co-produced between Stockport Council, NHS GM Stockport and SEND Partners, including but not limited to SEND Parent Carer Forum. Data from the SEND JSNA and the Investment Position Statement supported the identification of the key areas for prioritisation for the next 3 years.

The strategy contributes to the delivery of the Children and Young People Plan 2024-2027 which identifies seven Big Ambitions. The SEND Strategy delivers Ambition 4 but also works towards the other 6 Ambitions.

The Cabinet is recommended to endorse and agree the SEND Strategy.

Officer contact: Geraldine Gerard on 0161 474 3837 or email: geraldine.gerrard@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the SEND Strategy 2024-2027 which was a refresh of the previous strategy, co-produced between Stockport Council, NHS GM Stockport and SEND Partners, including but not limited to SEND Parent Carer Forum.

RESOLVED – That the SEND Strategy be approved and endorsed.

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

The socio-economic duty (SED), Part 1 of the Equality Act (2010), aimed to deliver better outcomes for those who experience this disadvantage. The duty states that certain public bodies, when making strategic decisions, must consider how their decisions might help to reduce the inequalities associated with socio-economic disadvantage. Although this section of the Act was passed with the rest of the Equality Act in 2010, it has never been enforced. 

A number of local authorities in England, as well as the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales, have adopted the duty voluntarily.  This report recommends the adoption of the SED in Stockport and outlines the intended steps to implementation. 

Approval of this report by cabinet would mean that Stockport Council would voluntarily adopt the SED and when making decisions.

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the delivery of activity against the Anti-Poverty 2024 – 2027 objectives

(2) Adopt the socio-economic duty and approve the implementation stages.

(3) Approve that the council will take socio-economic disadvantage into account in terms of its public sector equality duty.

(4) Confirm that the council will continue to work with partner organisations across the borough on the development and implementation of the socio-economic duty.

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) detailing a proposal to voluntarily adopt the socio-economic duty in Stockport including the steps necessary to implementation.

RESOLVED - (1) That the delivery of activity against the Anti-Poverty 2024 – 2027 objectives be noted.

(2) That the socio-economic duty be adopted and approved given to the implementation stages.

(3) That approval be given to the council taking socio-economic disadvantage into account in terms of its public sector equality duty.

(4) That it be confirmed that the council will continue to work with partner organisations across the borough on the development and implementation of the socio-economic duty.

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

The report sets out various suggested amendments to the Constitution, mainly relating to the amendments to the Officer Scheme of delegations within the Officer Functions section of the Scheme of Delegation to realign some functions due to recent changes in roles and post holders.  There is also one amendment to the Individual Cabinet Member Functions, various amendments to the Proper Officer Appointments to reflect changes in job titles and some typographical amendments to the Confidential Reporting (Whistleblowing) Policy.

The Cabinet is requested to recommend that the Council Meeting gives approval to the proposed amendments to the constitution.

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 proposals to make a number of amendments to the Constitution, including amendments to the Officer Scheme of delegations within the Officer Functions section of the Scheme of Delegation to realign some functions due to recent changes in roles and post holders; an amendment to the Individual Cabinet Member Functions; various amendments to the Proper Officer Appointments to reflect changes in job titles; and some typographical amendments to the Confidential Reporting (Whistleblowing) Policy.

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

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 22 March, 14 June and 12 July 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 22 March, 14 June and 12 July 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.

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

The report updates members on the progress being made on the delivery of the new Marple Active Communities Hub.

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

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Note the contents of this report and progress on the Marple Active Communities Hub.

(2) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing to enter into any Grant Funding Agreement or Memorandums of Understanding with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, or any other government department or government organisation required to deliver the scheme.

(3) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, 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, including the necessary Works or Services contracts, providing the funding for such contracts sits within the overall funding envelope for the project.

(4) Approve the release of the full grant funding package to allow the scheme to progress to completion.

(5) Approve the development and implementation of an enabling works package, and delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, to approve the Council entering into any Works or Services contracts to enable this works package to progress, to facilitate the demolition of the current Marple Library, police, and clinic buildings enabling the Marple Community Hub project to be delivered. 

(6) Approve the establishment of an interim Marple Library provision during the construction phase of the project.

Officer contact: Sarah Mulligan on 0161 217 6901 or email sarah.mulligan@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 progress being made on the delivery of the new Marple Active Communities Hub.

(NOTE: Appendices to this report contained information ‘Not for Publication’ which was circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       It was noted that while residents may experience some short-term inconvenience while construction was underway, the result would be a facility that residents of Marple and the wider borough could be proud of.

·       There was an opportunity for learning across the council from the development of this facility that could be used in the development of new facilities elsewhere.

RESOLVED - (1) That the contents of this report and progress on the Marple Active Communities Hub be noted.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing to enter into any Grant Funding Agreement or Memorandums of Understanding with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, or any other government department or government organisation required to deliver the scheme.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Assistant Director (Legal & Democratic Governance), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, 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, including the necessary Works or Services contracts, providing the funding for such contracts sits within the overall funding envelope for the project.

(4) That approval be given to the release of the full grant funding package to allow the scheme to progress to completion.

(5) That approval be given to the development and implementation of an enabling works package, and delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, to approve the Council entering into any Works or Services contracts to enable this works package to progress, to facilitate the demolition of the current Marple Library, police, and clinic buildings enabling the Marple Community Hub project to be delivered.

(6) That approval be given to the establishment of an interim Marple Library provision during the construction phase of the project.

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

The report sets out a request to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the land and buildings comprising 72 / 74 Wellington Road South to enable the delivery of Phases 6 and 7 of the Stockport Exchange regeneration scheme.

(NOTE: Appendices to this report contain information ‘Not for Publication’ which have been circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The Cabinet is recommended to:-

(1) Approve, in principle, the use of compulsory purchase powers, to acquire all the necessary interests in the Site.

(2) Approve the taking of all necessary steps/the carrying out of all necessary work required to establish a case for the making of a CPO, and the preparation of all necessary CPO documentation, including securing the appointment of suitable external advisors.

(3) Approve the continuance of voluntary negotiations with the Landowner, and anyone else with an interest in the Site, in parallel with the preparation of CPO documentation;

(4) Note that a further report will be presented to the Cabinet to approve the making of any CPO following the finalisation of the necessary preparatory work and CPO documentation;

(5) Delegate to the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance and the Deputy Chief Executive authority to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.

Officer contact: Paul Batho at paul.batho@stockport.gov.uk or Robert Goulsbra at robert.goulsbra@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a request to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the land and buildings comprising 72/ 74 Wellington Road South to enable the delivery of Phases 6 and 7 of the Stockport Exchange regeneration scheme.

(NOTE: Appendices to this report contained information ‘Not for Publication’ which was circulated to members of the Cabinet only).

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·       Stockport Exchange was an integral part of the redevelopment of the town centre.

·       The properties at 72/74 Wellington Road South were needed to achieve the aims and ambitions of the wider scheme.

·       Negotiations would continue with the owners of the properties with the aim of arriving at a solution that would obviate the need to exercise compulsory purchase powers.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval in principle be given to the use of compulsory purchase powers, to acquire all the necessary interests in the Site.

(2) That approval be given to the taking of all necessary steps/the carrying out of all necessary work required to establish a case for the making of a CPO, and the preparation of all necessary CPO documentation, including securing the appointment of suitable external advisors.

(3) That approval be given to the continuance of voluntary negotiations with the Landowner, and anyone else with an interest in the Site, in parallel with the preparation of CPO documentation.

(4) That it be noted that a further report will be presented to the Cabinet to approve the making of any CPO following the finalisation of the necessary preparatory work and CPO documentation.

(5) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance and the Deputy Chief Executive authority to do all things necessary or incidental to the implementation of the above-mentioned resolutions.