Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

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

No urgent decisions were reported.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor welcomed the action of the Council in lighting the Town Hall blue and orange for Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Day on 21 June 2018.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they may have in any of the items on the Summons for the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the items on the Summons.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

At this stage in the proceedings, the Mayor invited the Cabinet Member for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) to make a brief statement.

Councillor McGee reported that the Care Quality Committee was shortly due to publish its review of how local health and social care systems worked together in Stockport.  It was stated that the report was one of 20 targeted reviews of local authority areas looking specifically at how people moved through the health and social care system, with a focus on how services worked together.

Councillor McGee stated that he was unable to respond to any specific questions relating to this matter in any detail in advance of the publication of the report.

To receive any questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters relevant to the Council’s activities.

Members of the public were invited to put questions to the Mayor and Councillors on matters within the powers and duties of the Council.

Ten public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to proposal to require home care providers to pay the National Living wage which were due to come into effect from April 2018 and whether this has taken place.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care (Councillor Wendy Wild) undertook to provide a written response to the questioner.

·         Relating to the closure of the Bright Beginnings nursery due to rising costs and the funding arrangements for the ‘30 hours free childcare’ initiative.

The Cabinet Member for Education (Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick) responded that he was sorry to learn about the planned closure of Bright Beginnings nursery and that there were a number of factors which contributed to its closure.  It was stated that funding was a factor following the introduction of the Early Years National Funding Formula and the extension of funded childcare hours and it was noted that there were concerns nationally regarding funding for the early years sector which had been raised by professional organisations.

It was further stated that the Council complied with national regulations that required that the local authority retained no more than 5% of Early Years Funding for central costs with the remaining 95% being provided to frontline providers.  It was reported that the 208/19 initial approved budget demonstrated the local pass through rate was 98.7%.  Additionally, the Council had applied business rate relief to some local nurseries.

·         Relating to the government’s decision to turn down the request for £500,000 of funding to develop the next stage of the feasibility study for the A6-M60 bypass.

The Leader of the Council  and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution (Councillor Alex Ganotis) responded that the Department for Transport had made it clear that they hadn't assessed on strategic outline business case that was submitted and that they were not commenting on the merits of that business case.  It was stated that the next round for applications for funding was likely to be in Autumn 2018.  It was acknowledged that the Department for Transport had commented in their letter to the Council that it expected that applications for funding for major road schemes should be for sums less than the projected costs for the A6-M60 bypass, however this position was already understood by the Council in advance of its submission.

Councillor Ganotis reiterated that it was the policy of the Council to continue to support the development of the bypass, and encouraged all residents to participate on the ongoing consultation on the proposal.

·         Relating to why the Council had not published the government’s letter that rejected the Council’s request for the funding of the next stage of the feasibility study on the A6-M60 bypass.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that the letter had not been published as the Council were in a process of engaging with the Department for Transport to understand the implications of the letter and a statement was released on the Council’s website as soon as the position was known.

·         Relating to why the A6-M60 bypass was still being made a priority within the SEMMMS Refresh when the government had declined to fund further work on it.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) responded that not every scheme within the SEMMMS Refresh document was currently funded, but that the Council had previously agreed to pursue the development of the road which is why it had been highlighted a priority within the consultation document.

·         Relating to how the Council scrutinised the current provision of alcohol and drugs services which had been place since 2015.

Councillor Chris Gordon responded that the alcohol and drugs service formed part of Public Health and as such it fell within the remit of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(i)

To receive petitions, and by prior arrangement, receive delegations and presentations from members of the public, community groups or partnership organisations.

No such arrangements have been made for this meeting.

One petition was submitted with over 1,300 signatories requesting that a new facility is provided to replace the existing Marple swimming pool.

RESOLVED – That the petition be forwarded to the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing for their consideration.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

To appoint Councillor Sheila Bailey to answer questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

Councillor Sheila Bailey to then answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

To appoint the following spokespersons to answer questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority:-

Greater Manchester Combined Authority            - Councillor Alex Ganotis

Transport for Greater Manchester Committee    - Councillor John Taylor

Greater Manchester Waste Committee                - Councillor Roy Driver

The appointed councillors to then answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee and the Greater Manchester Waste Committee.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

RESOLVED – That Councillor Sheila Bailey be appointed to answer questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

RESOLVED - That the following councillors be appointed to answer questions in relation to the discharge of the functions of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee and the Greater Manchester Waste Committee:-

Greater Manchester Combined Authority           - Councillor Alex Ganotis

Transport for Greater Manchester Committee    - Councillor John Taylor

Greater Manchester Waste Committee               - Councillor Roy Driver

Questions

Councillor Lisa Smart stated that there was currently a proposal before the Bus Network and Transport for Greater Manchester Services Sub-Committee to replace the existing 380/381 bus services with a new 382 bus service.  However, the proposed new service would not serve the Morrisons supermarket in Bredbury.  Councillor Smart asked if Councillor Taylor would support a deferral of this proposal to the next meeting of the Sub-Committee to allow for further consideration to be given to the matter.

Councillor Taylor responded that the existing two services were unable to fit around the timetable due to traffic congestion and to continue to accommodate the two services would result in additional costs of £150,000.  Councillor Taylor stated that the truncating of the route of the new 382 service so that it did not service the Morrisons supermarket at Bredbury was not in itself sufficient justification to seek a deferral, particularly as there were a number of other bus services that would continue to serve that area.

Councillor Hunter asked Councillor Ganotis whether recent media reports that the publication of the revised Greater Manchester Spatial Framework proposals had been further delayed were correct.

Councillor Ganotis replied that he was not in a position to answer that question this evening, but that he would be able to do so within the next few days once the Combined Authority had the opportunity to give consideration to the impact of revised population growth figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

Councillor Hunter further asked whether Councillor Ganotis could confirm that the Council took its duty to defend the green belt seriously and that it would hard to ensure that impact on the green belt in Stockport through the proposals in the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework would be kept to a minimum.

Councillor Ganotis replied that the Council was committed to minimising green belt incursion and that work had taken place over the past six months to reduce the proposed level of green belt take from 12,000 to 7,000 units.

Councillor Bagnall asked Councillor Ganotis to confirm that councillors would be kept abreast of ongoing progress with regard to the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework in advance of information being released to the public.

Councillor Ganotis replied that in advance of the first iteration of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework members were offered the opportunity to attend a number of briefings to ensure that they were able to respond to enquiries from members of the public, and confirmed that he would ensure that members were suitably appraised of ongoing developments sufficiently in advance of them being made public.

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and other members of the Cabinet on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council  and Cabinet Member for Policy, Finance & Devolution (Councillor Alex Ganotis) reported on the current budget position and that the Council ended the last financial year with a surplus of £4 million.  It was stated that there was a £9 million surplus within the non-cash limit budget; however the cash limit budget there was a deficit of approximately £5 million.  It was further reported that the deficit was made of up £4 million from children’s services and just under £1 million from adult social care.

Councillor Ganotis stated that over the next five years to 2023 the Council faced a funding gap of £47 million, and that since 2010 it had dealt with a funding gap of £100 million. It was reported that increased demand for council services especially children's and adult social care coupled with additional responsibilities being given to councils and increased cost pressures meant that although there would be no further reductions in resources available to Council beyond 2020 there were nonetheless be an increase in the funding gap the Council faced.

Councillor Ganotis then reported that Greater Manchester needed to develop a new air quality plan by early next year that tackled air quality in particular areas of the borough where we were exceeding legal limits.  It was confirmed that air quality in those areas needed to be brought within safe limits within the fastest time possible and not exceeding 2021 and that for Stockport one area had been identified at the A34 between Cheadle Royal and the M60 at Gatley.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) reported that following the anticipated approval of the new Stockport Interchange scheme by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, a ‘listening exercise’ would be held around the town centre which aimed to allow members of the public to provide their views on the proposal.

Councillor Butler stated that the Town Centre Living Development Framework continued to progress and would include a design guide which aimed to influence developers on the standards of development the Council expected to see within the Town Centre.

The Cabinet Member for Health (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that work was ongoing in relation to the redesign of the Health and wellbeing Board to enable it to undertake more strategic decision-making.  It was further reported that Thursday, 5 July would mark the 70th birthday of the National Health Service and events would be held in various places including Stepping Hill to commemorate the event.  It was stated that the Town Hall would also be lit up blue to mark the occasion.

Finally, Councillor McGee commented that preparations for the forthcoming winter were already being made.  It was noted that Stockport had an excellent track record in flu vaccination rates and Councillor McGee congratulated public health within the Council as well as midwives and GPs for their excellent work.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor Elise Wilson) reported that issues surrounding the liquidation of Carillion had been complex and challenging for the Council.  It was stated that council officers had been in constant negotiation with PricewaterhouseCoopers who had been appointed as special managers reporting to the official receiver and recently became joint liquidator.  The council had worked closely with PricewaterhouseCoopers since Carillion went into liquidation in January 2018 to try and secure an alternative provider for all property contracts.  Despite some companies’ initial expression of interest, unfortunately no provider had been found that were either suitable or able to accept the current contracts and as of late last week the Council had been informed that services provided by Carillion would cease on Tuesday, 26 June 2018.

It was stated that the Council had been left with the need to make an urgent decision about the provision of facilities and asset management services.  The Council was in final negotiations for short term contract with a company to undertake this provision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.(i)

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Executive Leader or other members of the Executive, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Finance & Devolution); Deputy Leader of the Council (Adult Social Care);  and the Cabinet Members for Children & Family Services, Communities & Housing, Economy & Regeneration, Education, Health and Reform & Governance answered questions and responded to comments relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 24 April and 12 June 2018 and the record of executive decisions taken since the last Council Meeting, (schedule enclosed, decisions previously circulated) and consider any recommendations they contain.

The Mayor declared the minutes of the Cabinet Meetings held on 24 April and 12 June 2018 and the record of executive decision taken since the last meeting of the Council to be duly received.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of Scrutiny business.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Scrutiny Chairs, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

There were no questions relating to the business of the Scrutiny Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

Adult Social Care & Health – 27 March and 23 May 2018

Children & Families – 11 April and 30 May 2018

Communities & Housing – 9 April and 30 May 2018

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 10 April and 29 May 2018

Economy & Regeneration – 12 April and 31 May 2018

The Mayor declared the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Adult Social Care & Health – 27 March and 23 May 2018

Children & Families – 11 April and 30 May 2018

Communities & Housing – 9 April and 30 May 2018

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 10 April and 29 May 2018

Economy & Regeneration – 12 April and 31 May 2018

To consider a report of the Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee (Councillor Lisa Smart) submitted the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2017/18 (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the work of the Scrutiny Committees during the current Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive a report from the Chairs of the Planning & Highways Regulation; Licensing, Environment & Safety; and Audit Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

There were no reports from the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation, Licensing, Environment and Safety or Audit Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Chairs of Ordinary and Area Committees, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

There were no questions relating to the business of the Ordinary, Area and Ward Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the minutes of the following Ordinary and Area Committees:-

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 14 June 2018

Audit – 14 March 2018

Contributors – 29 March 2018

Employment Appeals – 14 June 2018

Funding – 10 April 2018

Health & Wellbeing Board – 11 April and 6 June 2018

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 21 March and 25 April 2018

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 26 March, 30 May and 31 May 2018

Planning & Highways Regulation – 22 March and 26 April 2018

Standards – 18 June 2018

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 19 April and 7 June 2018

Central Stockport – 19 April and 7 June 2018

Cheadle – 17 April and 5 June 2018

Heatons & Reddish – 16 April and 4 June 2018

Marple – 18 April and 6 June 2018

Stepping Hill – 17 April and 5 June 2018

Werneth – 16 April and 4 June 2018

The Mayor declared the Minutes of the following Ordinary and Area Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

Ordinary Committees

Appointments – 14 June 2018

Audit – 14 March 2018

Contributors – 29 March 2018

Employment Appeals – 14 June 2018

Funding – 10 April 2018

Health & Wellbeing Board – 11 April and 6 June 2018

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 21 March and 25 April 2018

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 26 March, 30 May and 31 May 2018

Planning & Highways Regulation – 22 March and 26 April 2018

Standards – 18 June 2018

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 19 April and 7 June 2018

Central Stockport – 19 April and 7 June 2018

Cheadle – 17 April and 5 June 2018

Heatons & Reddish – 16 April and 4 June 2018

Marple – 18 April and 6 June 2018

Stepping Hill – 17 April and 5 June 2018

Werneth – 16 April and 4 June 2018

NOTE: Discussion on this motion stood adjourned from the last ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting on 5 April 2018. 

The item will commence with debate on the motion, as amended (the substantive motion) as transcribed below:-

This Council acknowledges that:

·         breastmilk is recognised by the World Health Organisation as the ideal first food for babies to promote the best start in life, which also reduces risk of a range of infections and conditions including allergic disease, diabetes and some cancers;

·         the World Health Organisation also recommends continued breastfeeding along within complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond;

·         whilst due to a range of hard work and recognised initiatives, progress has been made to increase breastfeeding in Stockport over recent years, last year saw a decline in overall breastfeeding rates;

·         alongside this, significant inequalities persist in breastfeeding rates between the least and most deprived areas of Stockport;

·         it is for mothers to decide how long they wish to breastfeed and returning to work does not mean a mother has to stop breastfeeding and should not be a barrier to either initiation or continuation of breastfeeding; and

·         although the Equality Act 2010 has specifically clarified that is in unlawful to discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding a child, there is some way to go until this is accepted as the norm on all premises.

The Council further notes that:

·         the decision whether or not to breastfeed – and for how long – is a complex one, with powerful cultural and familial factors involved;

·         confidence over breastfeeding outside the family home is a recognised barrier to breastfeeding which the Stockport Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, run by the Infant Feeding Team, aims to address;

·         alongside this, significant inequalities persist in breastfeeding rates between the least and most deprived areas of Stockport;

·         access to skilled support and advice is highly important in helping mothers feel confident in choosing to breastfeed, and the delivery of mandatory training for all health visitors, midwives and paediatric nurses, alongside community and hospital support groups and clinics to offer specialist assistance, are key to this; and

·         employers are required to provide suitable facilities where pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can rest (this should include space to lie down) and guidelines recommend breastfeeding mothers should have access to a private and comfortable room in which to express (a toilet is not suitable for this purpose) and a safe fridge in which to store milk.

The Council believes that:

·         all women who have chosen to or are able to breastfeed should be supported to feel confident and comfortable in breastfeeding their babies in line with WHO recommendations, across the social spectrum, to help all babies (and mothers) to receive the benefits of breastfeeding;

·         Stockport should be seen as a “Breastfeeding Friendly” town and that it should be made clear to everyone that breastfeeding is welcomed in all public areas; and

·         That ultimately the decision whether or not to breastfeed must lie with the mother and no action should be taken which may make mothers feel guilty if they are unable or choose not to breastfeed.

This Council therefore resolves to;

·         ensure that all Council premises are aware of their duty under the Equality Act 2010 not to discriminate against breastfeeding mothers and display signage to indicate that breastfeeding is welcome;

·         encourage all local businesses to sign up to the “Breastfeeding Welcome” scheme;

·         write to all schools, colleges and educational establishments to encourage them to display “Breastfeeding Friendly” signage in their reception areas; and

·         lead the way in good practice as an employers by ensuring that it follows NHS and HSE recommendations on good practice policies for breastfeeding mothers returning to work and that the Head of Paid Service ensures all breastfeeding mothers returning to work are provided with a suitable private, clean, warm, safe and comfortable room in which to express milk and a suitable clean, safe  ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.(i)

The Mayor advised the Council Meeting that debate on this motion was adjourned at the last ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting on 5 April 2018, and as such consideration of this item recommenced with debate on the motion (as amended) as detailed on the Summons.

FURTHER AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council acknowledges that:

·         breastmilk is recognised by the World Health Organisation as the ideal first food for babies to promote the best start in life, which also reduces risk of a range of infections and conditions including allergic disease, diabetes and some cancers;

·         the World Health Organisation also recommends continued breastfeeding along within complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond;

·         whilst due to a range of hard work and recognised initiatives, progress has been made to increase breastfeeding in Stockport over recent years, last year saw a decline in overall breastfeeding rates;

·         alongside this, significant inequalities persist in breastfeeding rates between the least and most deprived areas of Stockport;

·         it is for mothers to decide how long they wish to breastfeed and returning to work does not mean a mother has to stop breastfeeding and should not be a barrier to either initiation or continuation of breastfeeding; and

·         although the Equality Act 2010 has specifically clarified that is in unlawful to discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding a child, there is some way to go until this is accepted as the norm on all premises.

The Council further notes that:

·         the decision whether or not to breastfeed – and for how long – is a complex one, with powerful cultural and familial factors involved;

·         confidence over breastfeeding outside the family home is a recognised barrier to breastfeeding which the Stockport Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, run by the Infant Feeding Team, aims to address;

·         alongside this, significant inequalities persist in breastfeeding rates between the least and most deprived areas of Stockport;

·         access to skilled support and advice is highly important in helping mothers feel confident in choosing to breastfeed, and the delivery of mandatory training for all health visitors, midwives and paediatric nurses, alongside community and hospital support groups and clinics to offer specialist assistance, are key to this; and

·         employers are required to provide suitable facilities where pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can rest (this should include space to lie down) and guidelines recommend breastfeeding mothers should have access to a private and comfortable room in which to express (a toilet is not suitable for this purpose) and a safe fridge in which to store milk.

The Council believes that:

·         all women who have chosen to or are able to breastfeed should be supported to feel confident and comfortable in breastfeeding their babies in line with WHO recommendations, across the social spectrum, to help all babies (and mothers) to receive the benefits of breastfeeding;

·         Stockport should be seen as a “Breastfeeding Friendly” Borough and that it should be made clear to everyone that breastfeeding is welcomed in all public areas; and

·         That ultimately the decision whether or not to breastfeed must lie with the mother and no action should be taken which may make mothers feel guilty if they are unable or choose not to breastfeed.

This Council therefore resolves to;

·         ensure that all Council premises are aware of their duty under the Equality Act 2010 not to discriminate against breastfeeding mothers and display signage to indicate that breastfeeding is welcome;

·         encourage all local businesses to sign up to the “Breastfeeding Welcome” scheme;

·         write to all schools, colleges and educational establishments to encourage them to display “Breastfeeding Friendly” signage in their reception areas; and

·         lead the way in good practice as an employers by ensuring that it follows NHS and HSE recommendations on good practice policies for breastfeeding mothers returning to work and that the Head of Paid Service ensures that within the Council Civic Building complex all breastfeeding mothers returning to work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(i)

This Council notes with great concern the recent announcement by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to close another 162 branches across the country. The Council further notes that 31 of these closures are to be in Greater Manchester and 5 in Stockport - Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Cheadle, Heaton Chapel and Stockport Town centre.

The Council believes that these proposed closures will massively inconvenience local residents and small businesses who continue to prefer to conduct their banking arrangements through a high street branch and rejects the increasing assumption that internet banking is the right choice for everyone.  Experience shows that certain groups, including older people, will be especially inconvenienced by the proposed branch closures.

In particular, the Council condemns the proposal to close the RBS branch in Cheadle Hulme, which will mean the loss of the last remaining banking facility in this community, following the closure of the Nat West branch in 2016.

Noting that RBS is owned by the tax payer and that many jobs will be lost in addition to the reduction in service should the proposed closures go ahead, the Council resolves to write to the Chief Executive of RBS to demand a re-think and also write to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee to ask for an investigation into the whole issue of bank branch closures.

Moved by:                  Councillor Suzanne Wyatt

Seconded by:            Councillor John Pantall

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes with great concern the recent announcement by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to close another 162 branches across the country. The Council further notes that 31 of these closures are to be in Greater Manchester and 5 in Stockport - Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Cheadle, Heaton Chapel and Stockport Town centre.

The Council believes that these proposed closures will massively inconvenience local residents and small businesses who continue to prefer to conduct their banking arrangements through a high street branch and rejects the increasing assumption that internet banking is the right choice for everyone.  Experience shows that certain groups, including older people, will be especially inconvenienced by the proposed branch closures.

In particular, the Council condemns the proposal to close the RBS branch in Cheadle Hulme, which will mean the loss of the last remaining banking facility in this community, following the closure of the Nat West branch in 2016.

Noting that RBS is owned by the tax payer and that many jobs will be lost in addition to the reduction in service should the proposed closures go ahead, the Council resolves to write to the Chief Executive of RBS to demand a re-think and also write to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee to ask for an investigation into the whole issue of bank branch closures.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes with great concern the recent announcement by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to close another 162 branches across the country. The Council further notes that 31 of these closures are to be in Greater Manchester and 5 in Stockport - Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Cheadle, Heaton Chapel and Stockport Town centre.

The Council believes that these proposed closures will massively inconvenience local residents and small businesses who continue to prefer to conduct their banking arrangements through a high street branch and rejects the increasing assumption that internet banking is the right choice for everyone.  Experience shows that certain groups, including older people, will be especially inconvenienced by the proposed branch closures.

In particular, the Council condemns the proposal to close the RBS branch in Cheadle Hulme, which will mean the loss of the last remaining banking facility in this community, following the closure of the Nat West branch in 2016.

Noting that RBS is owned by the tax payer and that many jobs will be lost in addition to the reduction in service should the proposed closures go ahead, the Council resolves to write to the Chief Executive of RBS to;

·         request that the decision to close these 5 branches is halted in light of the Council’s and many residents’ concerns to allow further consideration and consultation;

·         That Bank officials meet with Council Officers and Ward Councillors of the affected branches to discuss the potential to keep an RBS branch open; and

·         In the specific case of Cheadle Hulme, that RBS maintain the current banking arrangement for at least one year to allow local Ward members the opportunity to make the case for a permanent RBS banking facility for Cheadle Hulme businesses and residents.

This Council further resolves to request that the Chief Executive writes to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee to ask for an investigation into the whole issue of bank branch closures which specifically includes Stockport.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

The amendment was then put as the substantive motion and it was

RESOLVED - This Council notes with great concern the recent announcement by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to close another 162 branches across the country. The Council further notes that 31 of these closures are to be in Greater Manchester and 5 in Stockport - Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Cheadle, Heaton Chapel and Stockport Town centre.

The Council believes that these proposed closures will massively inconvenience local residents and small businesses who continue to prefer to conduct their banking arrangements through a high  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(ii)

Council notes:

1.   The new train timetable introduced on May 20th saw the biggest changes across the UK network for more than a decade.

2.   Northern Rail did very little consultation on its proposed changes. Stockport Council was not consulted, nor were rail users.

3.   The new timetable has resulted in chaotic scenes with large numbers of services cancelled or delayed.

4.   Even if the new timetable had worked perfectly, services for Stockport including the Manchester Airport, Hazel Grove and Goyt Valley lines would still have seen a drop in services.  Stations such as Gatley, Heald Green and Hazel Grove have lost services, especially in the morning peak, and there are far fewer services stopping at all intermediate stations along these lines.

5.   Politicians from across the political spectrum have been up in arms, demanding that the chaos that followed May 20th be resolved.

6.   There has as yet been no clear or consistent explanation for what went wrong or how to fix it. Driver shortages, overrunning electrification works, Northern Rail slowness in timetabling and Transport for the North/Department for Transport policy have all been blamed at some point.

7.   This is harming our economy and causing real problems for Stockport residents.

8.   With the next timetable change due in December, time is short to resolve these issues.

Council believes:

1.   While cancelled and delayed trains have rightly grabbed the headlines, the underlying problem of reduced Northern Rail services on many lines, including the Manchester Airport, Hazel Grove and Goyt Valley lines, must not be forgotten.

2.   As a minimum, the December timetable change should see the services across Stockport which have deteriorated revert to the pre-May 20th number, speed and frequency of services to all stations.

3.   We need to understand why this has happened so the lessons can be learned and it doesn’t happen again.

Council resolves:

1.   To ask the Chief Executive to write to the following organisations: Northern Rail, Network Rail, Department for Transport, Transport for the North, Transport for Greater Manchester, GMCA and TransPennine Express.

2.   That the letter requests that the local rail services across Stockport which have deteriorated including Heald Green, Gatley and Hazel Grove stations be, at the least, restored to pre-May 20th levels in the December 2018 timetable changes.

Moved by:                  Councillor Graham Greenhalgh

Seconded by:           Councillor Adrian Nottingham

MOVED AND SECONDED - Council notes:

1.   The new train timetable introduced on May 20th saw the biggest changes across the UK network for more than a decade.

2.   Northern Rail did very little consultation on its proposed changes. Stockport Council was not consulted, nor were rail users.

3.   The new timetable has resulted in chaotic scenes with large numbers of services cancelled or delayed.

4.   Even if the new timetable had worked perfectly, services for Stockport including the Manchester Airport, Hazel Grove and Goyt Valley lines would still have seen a drop in services.  Stations such as Gatley, Heald Green and Hazel Grove have lost services, especially in the morning peak, and there are far fewer services stopping at all intermediate stations along these lines.

5.   Politicians from across the political spectrum have been up in arms, demanding that the chaos that followed May 20th be resolved.

6.   There has as yet been no clear or consistent explanation for what went wrong or how to fix it. Driver shortages, overrunning electrification works, Northern Rail slowness in timetabling and Transport for the North/Department for Transport policy have all been blamed at some point.

7.   This is harming our economy and causing real problems for Stockport residents.

8.   With the next timetable change due in December, time is short to resolve these issues.

Council believes:

1.   While cancelled and delayed trains have rightly grabbed the headlines, the underlying problem of reduced Northern Rail services on many lines, including the Manchester Airport, Hazel Grove and Goyt Valley lines, must not be forgotten.

2.   As a minimum, the December timetable change should see the services across Stockport which have deteriorated revert to the pre-May 20th number, speed and frequency of services to all stations.

3.   We need to understand why this has happened so the lessons can be learned and it doesn’t happen again.

Council resolves:

1.   To ask the Chief Executive to write to the following organisations: Northern Rail, Network Rail, Department for Transport, Transport for the North, Transport for Greater Manchester, GMCA and TransPennine Express.

2.   That the letter requests that the local rail services across Stockport which have deteriorated including Heald Green, Gatley and Hazel Grove stations be, at the least, restored to pre-May 20th levels in the December 2018 timetable changes.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - Council notes:

1.   The new train timetable introduced on May 20th saw the biggest changes across the UK network for more than a decade.

2.   Northern Rail did very little consultation on its proposed changes. Stockport Council was not consulted, nor were rail users.

3.   The new timetable has resulted in chaotic scenes with large numbers of services cancelled or delayed.

4.   Even if the new timetable had worked perfectly, services for Stockport including the Manchester Airport, Hazel Grove and Goyt Valley lines would still have seen a drop in services.  Stations such as Davenport, Woodsmoor, Heaton Chapel, Gatley, Heald Green and Hazel Grove have lost services, especially in the morning peak, and there are far fewer services stopping at all intermediate stations along these lines.

5.   Politicians from across the political spectrum have been up in arms, demanding that the chaos that followed May 20th be resolved.

6.   There has as yet been no clear or consistent explanation for what went wrong or how to fix it. Driver shortages, overrunning electrification works, Northern Rail slowness in timetabling and Transport for the North/Department for Transport policy have all been blamed at some point.

7.   This is harming our economy and causing real problems for Stockport residents.

8.   With the next timetable change due in December, time is short to resolve these issues.

Council believes:

1.   While cancelled and delayed trains have rightly grabbed the headlines, the underlying problem of reduced Northern Rail services on many lines, including the Manchester Airport, Hazel Grove and Goyt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.(iii)

This Council notes with concern,

·         that Northern Rail timetable proposals consulted upon last year (ending July 7) relating to some of Stockport’s busiest local railway stations  (Davenport, Heaton Chapel and Woodsmoor) featured service reductions alongside unacceptable timetabling gaps,  with less services during peak times and an overall reduction in capacity;

·         that the new timetable brought from May 21 2018 not only appeared not to reflect consultation responses, but was beset by lateness and cancellations across Arriva Northern’s services which were unacceptable and have led to significant inconvenience for many;

·         that the subsequent arrangement of the temporary timetable currently in place relies upon further service reductions;

·         that despite numerous representations from this Council, (including a detailed consultation response, numerous representations to Arriva Northern, numerous representations by the Council Leadership on behalf of the Council including a joint signed letter to the Prime Minister published in last week’s Sunday Times; and work through the GM Mayor to alert the Secretary of State for Transport)  Arriva Northern have been unable to provide assurances that satisfactory timetabling arrangements, will be forthcoming;

·         that these circumstances have arisen due to a combination of factors, including Network rail’s electrification plans being behind schedule, and Arriva Northern’s handling of negotiations over slots into Piccadilly with other operators.

This Council believes;

·         that local railway services are of paramount importance in providing efficient and amendable public transport, which is of benefit to residents, the environment and the economy;

·         that strategic planning for railway timetabling should aim to cater for usage and should not plan to reduce services where passenger numbers are increasing, as in the case of all three Stations noted above;

·         that it should be noted the last GMCA meeting saw representatives from across the city region engaged in robust and constructive debate on this issue and GMCA has requested a report by from TFGM into whether Northern are in breach of its franchise;

·         that all levels of Government should be similarly fully engaged and seeking a satisfactory resolution to this situation, and prepared to take the action necessary to do so;

·         that the Government, Network Rail and Arriva Northern ought to be properly held to account for their role in bringing about the above situation;

·         that the compensation package announced by the Transport Minister, whilst welcome, does not go far enough and that a full compensation package needs to include advance and day ticket holders and those who have incurred additional childcare, taxi, hotel or other costs bought about by the cancellations and delays on Northern Rail.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         call upon the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP to consider his position as Secretary of State for Transport in light of the forgoing failures;

·         request that the Chief Executive write to the Prime Minister making her aware of the above points and calling upon the Government to take immediate action to resolve the forgoing situation, including  if necessary, the granting  of transport for the North (TfN) full powers to manage all Northern infrastructure; and

·         ask that the Democratic Services Manager make the Managing Director of Arriva Northern, TfN and RMT representatives aware of our position as a Council and of the contents of this motion.

Moved by:                 Councillor David Sedgwick

Seconded by:           Councillor Dickie Davies

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes with concern,

·           that Northern Rail timetable proposals consulted upon last year (ending July 7) relating to some of Stockport’s busiest local railway stations  (Davenport, Heaton Chapel and Woodsmoor) featured service reductions alongside unacceptable timetabling gaps,  with less services during peak times and an overall reduction in capacity;

·           that the new timetable brought from May 21 2018 not only appeared not to reflect consultation responses, but was beset by lateness and cancellations across Arriva Northern’s services which were unacceptable and have led to significant inconvenience for many;

·           that the subsequent arrangement of the temporary timetable currently in place relies upon further service reductions;

·           that despite numerous representations from this Council, (including a detailed consultation response, numerous representations to Arriva Northern, numerous representations by the Council Leadership on behalf of the Council including a joint signed letter to the Prime Minister published in last week’s Sunday Times; and work through the GM Mayor to alert the Secretary of State for Transport)  Arriva Northern have been unable to provide assurances that satisfactory timetabling arrangements, will be forthcoming;

·           that these circumstances have arisen due to a combination of factors, including Network rail’s electrification plans being behind schedule, and Arriva Northern’s handling of negotiations over slots into Piccadilly with other operators.

This Council believes;

·         that local railway services are of paramount importance in providing efficient and amendable public transport, which is of benefit to residents, the environment and the economy;

·         that strategic planning for railway timetabling should aim to cater for usage and should not plan to reduce services where passenger numbers are increasing, as in the case of all three Stations noted above;

·         that it should be noted the last GMCA meeting saw representatives from across the city region engaged in robust and constructive debate on this issue and GMCA has requested a report by from TFGM into whether Northern are in breach of its franchise;

·         that all levels of Government should be similarly fully engaged and seeking a satisfactory resolution to this situation, and prepared to take the action necessary to do so;

·         that the Government, Network Rail and Arriva Northern ought to be properly held to account for their role in bringing about the above situation;

·         that the compensation package announced by the Transport Minister, whilst welcome, does not go far enough and that a full compensation package needs to include advance and day ticket holders and those who have incurred additional childcare, taxi, hotel or other costs bought about by the cancellations and delays on Northern Rail.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·           call upon the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP to consider his position as Secretary of State for Transport in light of the forgoing failures;

·           request that the Chief Executive write to the Prime Minister making her aware of the above points and calling upon the Government to take immediate action to resolve the forgoing situation, including  if necessary, the granting  of transport for the North (TfN) full powers to manage all Northern infrastructure; and

·           ask that the Democratic Services Manager make the Managing Director of Arriva Northern, TfN and RMT representatives aware of our position as a Council and of the contents of this motion.

At this stage in the proceedings (10.00 pm) the Mayor informed the Council Meeting that the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) had been invoked.

RESOLVED – (46 for, 9 against, 1 abstention) This Council notes with concern,

·           that Northern Rail timetable proposals consulted upon last year (ending July 7) relating to some of Stockport’s busiest local railway stations  (Davenport, Heaton Chapel and Woodsmoor) featured service reductions alongside unacceptable timetabling gaps,  with less services during peak times and an overall reduction in capacity;

·           that the new timetable brought from May 21 2018 not only appeared not to reflect consultation responses, but was beset by lateness and cancellations across Arriva Northern’s services which were unacceptable and have led to significant inconvenience for many;

·           that the subsequent arrangement of the temporary timetable currently in place relies upon further service reductions;

·           that despite numerous representations from this Council, (including a detailed consultation response, numerous representations to Arriva Northern, numerous representations by the Council Leadership on behalf of the Council including a joint signed letter to the Prime Minister published in last week’s Sunday Times; and work through the GM Mayor to alert the Secretary of State for Transport)  Arriva Northern have been unable to provide assurances that satisfactory timetabling arrangements, will be forthcoming;

·           that these circumstances have arisen due to a combination of factors, including Network rail’s electrification plans being behind schedule, and Arriva Northern’s handling of negotiations over slots into Piccadilly with other operators.

This Council believes;

·         that local railway services are of paramount importance in providing efficient and amendable public transport, which is of benefit to residents, the environment and the economy;

·         that strategic planning for railway timetabling should aim to cater for usage and should not plan to reduce services where passenger numbers are increasing, as in the case of all three Stations noted above;

·         that it should be noted the last GMCA meeting saw representatives from across the city region engaged in robust and constructive debate on this issue and GMCA has requested a report by from TFGM into whether Northern are in breach of its franchise;

·         that all levels of Government should be similarly fully engaged and seeking a satisfactory resolution to this situation, and prepared to take the action necessary to do so;

·         that the Government, Network Rail and Arriva Northern ought to be properly held to account for their role in bringing about the above situation;

·         that the compensation package announced by the Transport Minister, whilst welcome, does not go far enough and that a full compensation package needs to include advance and day ticket holders and those who have incurred additional childcare, taxi, hotel or other costs bought about by the cancellations and delays on Northern Rail.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·           call upon the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP to consider his position as Secretary of State for Transport in light of the forgoing failures;

·           request that the Chief Executive write to the Prime Minister making her aware of the above points and calling upon the Government to take immediate action to resolve the forgoing situation, including  if necessary, the granting  of transport for the North (TfN) full powers to manage all Northern infrastructure; and

·           ask that the Democratic Services Manager make the Managing Director of Arriva Northern, TfN and RMT representatives aware of our position as a Council and of the contents of this motion.

This Council notes:

·         that many EU nationals, having enjoyed shared EU citizenship with their British Counterparts for decades, have chosen to make Britain their home and base for their careers and families;

·         that subsequent to the Referendum of June 2016, EU nationals have faced uncertainty as their future status given a lack of clarity on the issue from Government;

·         that many EU nationals, despite years of having been settled in the UK, are now being required to apply for the right to reside in the United Kingdom.

This Council further recognises that:

·         EU citizens living in Stockport have the right to vote in the upcoming Local Election and, as such are our constituents who have a right to our full support and representation on all matters of concern to them;

·         there is an ongoing campaign to ensure EU citizens living in the UK can continue to enjoy the rights they have become accustomed to.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         support all EU citizens living in our respective wards to our fullest ability;

·         request that the Chief Executive write to the current Secretary of State for the Home Department, Sajid Javid, requesting that EU citizens living here keep their rights to vote and be candidates in local elections after such time as Britain may leave the European Union;

·         in that letter, advocate for the simplification of the application process for permanent residence and citizenship – including the removal of requirements for private sickness insurance or checking minimum earnings; and

·         also in that letter, request that future registration processes for EU citizens be as light touch as practicable and adequately funded by the government.

Moved by:                 Councillor David Meller

Seconded by:           Councillor Amanda Peers

RESOLVED - This Council notes:

·          that many EU nationals, having enjoyed shared EU citizenship with their British Counterparts for decades, have chosen to make Britain their home and base for their careers and families;

·          that subsequent to the Referendum of June 2016, EU nationals have faced uncertainty as their future status given a lack of clarity on the issue from Government;

·          that many EU nationals, despite years of having been settled in the UK, are now being required to apply for the right to reside in the United Kingdom.

This Council further recognises that:

·          EU citizens living in Stockport have the right to vote in the upcoming Local Election and, as such are our constituents who have a right to our full support and representation on all matters of concern to them;

·          there is an ongoing campaign to ensure EU citizens living in the UK can continue to enjoy the rights they have become accustomed to.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·          support all EU citizens living in our respective wards to our fullest ability;

·         request that the Chief Executive write to the current Secretary of State for the Home Department, Sajid Javid, requesting that EU citizens living here keep their rights to vote and be candidates in local elections after such time as Britain may leave the European Union;

·          in that letter, advocate for the simplification of the application process for permanent residence and citizenship – including the removal of requirements for private sickness insurance or checking minimum earnings; and

·          also in that letter, request that future registration processes for EU citizens be as light touch as practicable and adequately funded by the government.

This Council notes with concern:

·           the significant difficulties being experienced by Private hire drivers and firms up and down the country as a result of out of district hackney carriages being used as private hire vehicles;

·           that this causes issues which include drivers coming from distance, from areas with less rigorous licensing regimes e.g. no knowledge test; relaxed age limits for vehicles and which result in drivers servicing areas they are unfamiliar with;

·           this has markedly affected the Stockport MBC area, with around 300 drivers not licensed by SMBC operating in the area as a cautious estimate, resulting in a loss of licensing revenue to the Council and an inability to carry out enforcement; and that,

·           most importantly, the foregoing difficulties have caused mounting public protection concerns for residents who rely upon these services and have no recourse to the Council in terms of quality of vehicles etc.,

·           There are  significant safeguarding issues for the Council consequent to the above points.

This Council believes that:

·           it should be acknowledged that constructive work is being undertaken by partners within the GMCA to encourage greater consistency of licensing and to discourage against the above worrying practices, but cannot correct entirely for problems caused by the original legislation.

·           Government should revisit the taxi licensing  legislation and take the measures needed to come up with a solution to the aforementioned problems.

This council therefore resolves to:

·         Request that the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association and  Minister for Transport outlining the aforementioned concerns, further noting our express wish that the legislation is immediately reviewed and amended to address these concerns shared by many Metropolitan Borough Councils.

Moved by:                  Councillor Chris Murphy

Seconded by:           Councillor Dickie Davies

RESOLVED - This Council notes with concern:

·         the significant difficulties being experienced by Private hire drivers and firms up and down the country as a result of out of district hackney carriages being used as private hire vehicles;

·         that this causes issues which include drivers coming from distance, from areas with less rigorous licensing regimes e.g. no knowledge test; relaxed age limits for vehicles and which result in drivers servicing areas they are unfamiliar with;

·         this has markedly affected the Stockport MBC area, with around 300 drivers not licensed by SMBC operating in the area as a cautious estimate, resulting in a loss of licensing revenue to the Council and an inability to carry out enforcement; and that,

·         most importantly, the foregoing difficulties have caused mounting public protection concerns for residents who rely upon these services and have no recourse to the Council in terms of quality of vehicles etc.,

·         There are  significant safeguarding issues for the Council consequent to the above points.

This Council believes that:

·         it should be acknowledged that constructive work is being undertaken by partners within the GMCA to encourage greater consistency of licensing and to discourage against the above worrying practices, but cannot correct entirely for problems caused by the original legislation.

·         Government should revisit the taxi licensing  legislation and take the measures needed to come up with a solution to the aforementioned problems.

This council therefore resolves to:

·         Request that the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association and  Minister for Transport outlining the aforementioned concerns, further noting our express wish that the legislation is immediately reviewed and amended to address these concerns shared by many Metropolitan Borough Councils.

This Council notes;

·           the tragic circumstances relating to a coach to crash in transit from Bestival music festival to Liverpool in September 2010, which led to the deaths of three individuals and leaving many more with life changing injuries;

·           that the inquest concluded this was caused by an aged (19 years) but legal tyre, and that this tragedy may have been prevented through more recent  tyre replacement;

·           the launch of the “Tyred” campaign by Frances Molloy to pressure Government  into a change of law to ban the use of tyres older than ten years on commercial vehicles.

This Council is therefore:

·           supportive of the “Tyred” campaign aims to alter government policy in relation to the legal maximal tyre age of 10 years;

·           concerned to ensure the vehicles used in relation to our own services are able to adhere to the strong safety standards set out by the campaign.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·           support the aims of the Tyred Campaign through drawing the attention of the Local Government Association, especially its Environment and Transport Board, to this Council’s view that these concerns should be fully addressed.

·           ask officers to look at our own procurement procedures with a view to inserting an appropriate clause in any contracts with commercial operators where possible and to also ensure that this standard applies to our own vehicle fleet;

·           request the Chief Executive to write to coach operators which serve Stockport Schools asking them to adhere to the provisions set out in the “Tyred” campaign. 

·           further to this, ensure this Council to notifies TfGM, the Chief Executives of all GM Councils, and all schools in Stockport about this decision of the Council.

Moved by:                 Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick

Seconded by:           Councillor Colin Foster

RESOLVED - This Council notes;

·          the tragic circumstances relating to a coach to crash in transit from Bestival music festival to Liverpool in September 2010, which led to the deaths of three individuals and leaving many more with life changing injuries;

·          that the inquest concluded this was caused by an aged (19 years) but legal tyre, and that this tragedy may have been prevented through more recent  tyre replacement;

·          the launch of the “Tyred” campaign by Frances Molloy to pressure Government  into a change of law to ban the use of tyres older than ten years on commercial vehicles.

This Council is therefore:

·          supportive of the “Tyred” campaign aims to alter government policy in relation to the legal maximal tyre age of 10 years;

·          concerned to ensure the vehicles used in relation to our own services are able to adhere to the strong safety standards set out by the campaign.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·          support the aims of the Tyred Campaign through drawing the attention of the Local Government Association, especially its Environment and Transport Board, to this Council’s view that these concerns should be fully addressed.

·          ask officers to look at our own procurement procedures with a view to inserting an appropriate clause in any contracts with commercial operators where possible and to also ensure that this standard applies to our own vehicle fleet;

·          request the Chief Executive to write to coach operators which serve Stockport Schools asking them to adhere to the provisions set out in the “Tyred” campaign. 

·          further to this, ensure this Council to notifies TfGM, the Chief Executives of all GM Councils, and all schools in Stockport about this decision of the Council.

To receive a report from the Returning Officer as to the person elected to the office of Councillor on 24 May 2018 as follows:-

RESOLVED – That the report of the Returning Officer as to the person elected to the office of Councillor on 24 May 2018 be noted.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

A report of the Monitoring Officer was submitted (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Council Meeting to review the allocation of seats to political groups following the election following the election held on 24 May 2018, and to give consideration to the adoption of alternative arrangements in respect of appointments to committees, and not an allocation strictly in accordance with proportionality under section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

RESOLVED – (1) That the composition of the Council and consequent allocation of seats to Political Groups on committees be noted and approved.

(2) That approval be given to the adoption of alternative arrangements in respect of appointments to committees which are not strictly in accordance with proportionality under section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) as detailed in paragraph 1.13 of the report and to exclude the following from the Proportionality Calculation.

·         Contributors Committee

·         Funding Committee

·         Stockport Homes Member Committee

·         Standards Committee

·         Health and Wellbeing Board

·          

(3) That Councillor Yvonne Guariento be appointed to replace Councillor Syd Lloyd on the Appeals Panel.

(4) That Councillor Mike Hurleston be appointed to fill the Conservative vacancy on the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee.

To give approval to the establishment of a joint ward Committee for the Offerton and Stepping Hill wards comprised of the following members:-

6 councillors (Chair and Vice-Chair to be elected at the first meeting)

Laura Booth              Wendy Meikle

Will Dawson              Mark Weldon

Paul Hadfield            John Wright

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the establishment of a joint ward Committee for the Offerton and Stepping Hill wards comprised of the following members:-

6 councillors (Chair and Vice-Chair to be elected at the first meeting)

Laura Booth              Wendy Meikle

Will Dawson              Mark Weldon

Paul Hadfield            John Wright