Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17 October 2019.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 October 2019 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 reported the winner of her Christmas card competition was Lily Grace Rooney from Vernon Park Primary and that she had visited all three prize winners to personally award them their prizes.

The Mayor then reported that three local community groups had been awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.  The Mayor stated that representatives from Re:dish, Cheadle Muslim Association and Mellor Country House had been invited to attend a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Hall to recognise their success.

The Mayor then informed the Council Meeting that darts player Nathan Aspinall from Offerton, Stockport had got to the semi-final of the PDC World Darts Championship for the second year in a row. 

Finally, the Mayor stated that she would be attending three events to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday, 27 January including the Civic ceremony at 2.30 pm at the war memorial and at 7.00 pm at Stockport Central Library.

At this point in the proceedings, the Mayor invited the Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education (Councillor Colin Foster) to make a statement to the Council in relation to child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester and specifically the Assurance Review of Operation Augusta. 

Councillor Foster stated that the report had been commissioned by the Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017 after the BBC documentary ‘The Betrayed Girls’ both to assure himself and the public that everything possible had been done to protect children today and in the future. 

It was stated that the first independent review was written by two child protection specialists and focused on the Operation Augusta investigation launched by Greater Manchester Police in 2003 after the death in Manchester of 15 year old Victoria Agoglia.  It was focused particularly on the City of Manchester, especially in the south of city.  Councillor Foster stated that while the review did not make any specific reference to Stockport its findings have been very disturbing about events 15 years ago and attitudes towards CSE at that time.

Councillor Foster commented that more than a decade and a half later the approach to tackling child sexual exploitation had strengthened significantly, as the review itself acknowledged.  In Stockport and Greater Manchester,  children's services and partners had worked tirelessly to radically improve identification, investigation, understanding and responses to CSE with an important focus on immediate protection, ongoing care, disruption and support. It was stated that any findings and recommendations contained within the report would be carefully considered in order to capture any learning and continuous improvement opportunities.

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 agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

Disclosable Pecuniary Interest

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.

Seven public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to who had been appointed to the Climate Emergency Taskforce established by the Council; what the Task Force aimed to achieve and the timescales involved; and whether the taskforce was aware of the report by Friends of the Earth listing 33 actions local authorities can take on climate change and if so, whether it supported these actions.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that following the declaration by the Council Meeting of a climate emergency, a Director level officer had been appointed to lead work in this area and discussions had taken place with other local authorities in Greater Manchester that had passed similar motions to determine whether there was learning that could be shared on their approaches.  Councillor Bailey confirmed that a cross-party task group had been established made up of councillors Vine, Foster-Grime, Nottingham and herself.  Councillor Bailey stated that there had been one meeting of the task group with another scheduled to meet in the coming week. 

Councillor Bailey reported that the members of the Task Group had received carbon literacy training either through the Council or online and around 170 officers of the Council had also had that training.  It was further stated that the Council had recently been awarded bronze accreditation by the Carbon Literacy Project and was working towards the silver and gold standard.

Councillor Bailey stated that the Council was undertaking a significant number of activities to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint, and that the Council’s Climate Action Strategy was due to be submitted to the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee in March 2020 and the report and recommendations of Friends of the Earth would be considered as part of this strategy document.

·         Relating to the opportunities available for members of the public to contribute to the Climate Action Strategy that was being developed.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that the draft Climate Action Strategy would be published on the Council’s website in March as part of the agenda papers for the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee, and would therefore be available for public inspection.  Councillor Bailey stated that a summit would be held later in the year to which all interested groups would be invited to participate.

·         Relating to whether Stockport Council intended to support or participate in the Greater Manchester Walk for Women on Saturday, 7 March to celebrate International Women's Day.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that the event being undertaken in Manchester had been arranged by Manchester City Council rather than on a Greater Manchester-wide basis.  However, it was stated that there were two events planned for Stockport including the Stockport Community Celebration that recognised the achievements of women living or working in Stockport by bringing together local people from diverse backgrounds to nurture cross cultural engagement and support inclusion.

Councillor Wilson stated that there was another event planned for ‘Stockport Future Leaders’ where it was proposed to invite young people or people who haven't started their work life yet where strong women leaders could share some of their experiences and hopefully encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

·         Relating to staff vacancies and staff reductions in adult social care with specific reference to a case where an elderly person with mobility difficulties was discharged from hospital with the promise of a care package but had yet to receive a visit from a carer.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) responded that the issue of vacancies was not considered to be a factor in the case that was raised by the questioner.  Councillor Wells stated that vacancies and staff turnover within Adult Social Care were roughly  ...  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.

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

Councillor Amanda Peers to answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The following councillors to answer questions (if any) on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority:-

Greater Manchester Combined Authority                        - Councillor Elise Wilson

Greater Manchester Transport Committee                      - Councillor David Meller

Greater Manchester Waste Committee                           - Councillor Roy Driver

(a)       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

Councillor Mark Hunter asked the Leader of the Council how many additional police officers there were now in the borough following the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s decision to increase the precept to fund additional police officers.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) undertook to provide Councillor Hunter with a written response.

Councillor Adrian Nottingham asked the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) whether he would agree with him that the proposal to withdraw the 130 bus service was further evidence of a public transport service that was increasingly not fit for purpose.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) responded that he agreed with the statement made by Councillor Nottingham and that work was being undertaken to determine whether there was a way in which the decision could be reversed.

Councillor Lisa Smart commented on the recent decision of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to limit the number of trips that residents could make to Household Waste Recycling Centres and asked Councillor Roy Driver whether he could advise the meeting what steps he had taken to ensure that the data collected by the automatic number plate registration system would be gathered and stored in accordance with both the law and any relevant data protection regulations.

Councillor Driver responded that the decision had been taken to limit the number of visits to 52 per year and that this would be monitored through the use of an automatic number plate registration system and that the data collected would be stored in accordance with data protection rules and all relevant legal protocols.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the annual review of the local scheme of Discounts and Exemptions which were available in respect of Business Rates and Council Tax.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the following in respect of the Council Tax and Business rates Discounts and Exemptions:-

(1) That the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2020/21, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

(2) That Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2020/21.

(3) That Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2020/21 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

(4) That Stockport’s scheme for Discretionary Business Rate Relief post revaluation be maintained for the final year with awards determined in line with criteria and on a case by case basis.

(5) That the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not for Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2020/21.

(7) That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2020/21.

(8) That the continuation of a case by case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2020/21 (it is unlikely that Exceptional Circumstances Relief would be awarded to an organisation which was in receipt of support from the Council, either grant funded or commissioned).

(9) That the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties from 2020/21.

(10) That the premium charge added to Council Tax liability where a property has been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years is maintained at 100% and increased to 200% for those properties that have been empty for at least five years, from 2020/21.

(11) That any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2020/21.

(12) That Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2020/21 as detailed at Appendix 5.

(13) That the time for Universal Credit recipients to return a claim for Council Tax Support and entitlement to be assessed from the Monday following the first day of entitlement to Universal Credit or start of Council Tax Liability for those moving into the Stockport area be limited to 6 weeks from the date of that same Universal Credit claim or change of address.

(14) That the net earnings figure used in the calculation of CTS for UC recipients is that provided to the Council by the Department for Work and Pensions.

(15) To refresh the Council Tax discretionary fund to £25k for 2020/21, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.

(16) That the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2020/21.

(17) To approve the setting of the Council’s 2020/21 Council Tax Taxbase at 96,241.2 Band D equivalent dwellings.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2019/20.

RESOLVED – That:-

(1) The report and the treasury activity in the first half of the financial year be noted.

(2) The revised interest rate forecasts for PWLB rates over the short and medium term, which will drive the Council’s long-term borrowing strategies going forward be noted.

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 Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) reported on the recent general election, and thanked officers for their work in administering the third election process over the past year.  Councillor Wilson stated that as part of the election process and subsequently, there had been a number of promises made in relation to the ‘levelling up of the North’ and discussions were taking place at a Greater Manchester level to try and understand what the implications of that might be.

Specifically, Councillor Wilson referred to the ongoing work of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation to redevelop and enhance the Stockport Town Centre West area.  In particular, Councillor Wilson stated that she had written to the Secretary of State for Transport to advise him that Stockport was ready to capitalise on the pledges made during the general election campaign in relation to bringing Metrolink to Stockport.

Councillor Wilson then stated that following the recent issues of flooding across Stockport, and in the light of funding packages that had been announced for flood-hit areas of Yorkshire, she had written to the Secretary of State seeking additional support for the borough.

Finally, Councillor Wilson stated that it had been announced that Stockport County Football Club was now in new ownership and that the Council was looking forward to working with the new owners as the club moved forward into a new era.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that it had originally been planned for the budget proposals to have largely been place by December, however there had been delays to elements of this resulting from the impact of the general election.

Councillor McGee stated that while the Council had just agreed the Council Tax and Business Rates Exemptions Scheme, a request had been received from the Minister for Local Government and Housing to include additional exemptions, and the detail of how this might work to ensure the council avoided sending out duplicate bills still needed to be worked out.

Councillor McGee stated that there remained a number of details that needed to worked through, however this would be completed in time for the preparation of a legal budget for submission to the Cabinet on 4 February 2020.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) reported on the progress on the installation of sprinklers in tower blocks.  It was stated that systems would be commissioned and live in Boden House, Lancaster House, Palatine House and Radnor House by the 24 January 2020.  Work was ongoing in Hanover and Pendlebury Towers and the next phase was confirmed as being Hollow End Towers and Romney Towers. Work on these on these properties was due to start at the beginning of February.

Councillor Bailey confirmed that the four year tree-planting programme was underway with 500 trees having been planted during the last planting season with a further 450 being planted in the current phase.

Councillor Bailey then stated that the LED street lighting programme was on schedule be completed within the three year programme originally identified and that it was expected that CO2 emissions would be reduced by at least 2,151 tonnes per annum when complete.

Finally, Councillor Bailey reported that she intended to write to the government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90 decibels as well as requesting that consideration be given to licensing all fireworks and bonfire events.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor Kate Butler) reported that the current five-year Borough Plan was due to expire this year and that work was being undertaken on how this could be refreshed and early engagement work was taking place with young people through schools and colleges.

Councillor Butler then stated that work had taken place to roll out the use of the Council’s chatbot ‘Ami’ across  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(i)

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

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution; The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance; and the Cabinet Members for Adult Care & Health, Children, Family Services & Education, Economy & Regeneration, Inclusive Neighbourhoods and Sustainable Stockport answered questions and responded to comments relating to the business of the Cabinet in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 12 November 2019 and 6 January 2020 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 held on 12 November 2019 and 6 January 2020 (copies of which had been circulated) and the record of executive decisions taken (copies of which were circulated) 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.

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 – 15 October and 17 December 2019

Children & Families – 30 October and 18 December 2019

Communities & Housing – 28 October and 16 December 2019

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 29 October and 17 December 2019

Economy & Regeneration – 31 October and 19 December 2019

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 – 15 October and 17 December 2019

Children & Families – 30 October and 18 December 2019

Communities & Housing – 28 October and 16 December 2019

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 29 October and 17 December 2019

Economy & Regeneration – 31 October and 19 December 2019

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 and Area Committees in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

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

Ordinary Committees

Audit – 27 November 2019

Contributors – 28 November 2019

Funding – 9 October 2019

Health & Wellbeing Board – 13 November 2019

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 9 October and 20 November 2019

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 11 November, 28 November and 19 December 2019

Member – 14 October 2019

Planning & Highways Regulation – 10 October and 21 November 2019

Standards – 18 November 2019

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 7 November and 5 December 2019

Central Stockport – 7 November and 5 December 2019

Cheadle – 5 November and 10 December 2019

Heatons & Reddish – 4 November and 9 December 2019

Marple – 6 November and 11 December 2019

Stepping Hill – 5 November and 10 December 2019

Werneth – 9 December 2019

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

Audit – 27 November 2019

Contributors – 28 November 2019

Funding – 9 October 2019

Health & Wellbeing Board – 13 November 2019

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 9 October and 20 November 2019

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 11 November, 28 November and 19 December 2019

Member – 14 October 2019

Planning & Highways Regulation – 10 October and 21 November 2019

Standards – 18 November 2019

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 7 November and 5 December 2019

Central Stockport – 7 November and 5 December 2019

Cheadle – 5 November and 10 December 2019

Heatons & Reddish – 4 November and 9 December 2019

Marple – 6 November and 11 December 2019

Stepping Hill – 5 November and 10 December 2019

Werneth – 9 December 2019

This Council Meeting notes that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the law is failing as it does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.

This Council Meeting believes that further research is needed to properly understand the effects on animals and people but, in the meantime, several things can be done to improve the situation for wildlife and people at risk, including:

·         Review of the licensing of all public firework displays, ensuring public displays are better advertised, informing of noise levels and warning how it may affect people and animals.

·         Applying the Challenge 25 scheme to the sale of fireworks, as widely used for the sale of Alcohol, to try to ensure that fewer young people purchase and are consequently injured by fireworks.

This Council Meeting resolves to:

·         Actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people, including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks, such as purchasing quieter fireworks;

·         ensure all public firework displays within Stockport borough are advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for people in their care and pets;

·         encourage retailers of fireworks to separate ‘quieter’ fireworks from the louder ones so people can choose which ones they prefer. with animal and people safety in mind; and

·         encourage retailers to apply the Challenge 25 scheme to the sale of fireworks in Stockport borough, so that those over 18 but who look under 25 have to  show photo ID, as needed when they want to buy alcohol.

Moved by:                  Councillor Mark Roberts

Seconded by:           Councillor Suzanne Wyatt

In accordance with the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 14.7 (Alteration of Motion) at the request of the mover of the motion the Council Meeting gave its consent to the alteration of the motion as tabled to incorporate an alteration which had been published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the law is failing as it does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.

This Council Meeting believes that further research is needed to properly understand the effects on animals and people but, in the meantime, several things can be done to improve the situation for wildlife and people at risk, including:

·         Review of the licensing of all public firework displays, ensuring public displays are better advertised, informing of noise levels and warning how it may affect people and animals.

·         Applying the Challenge 25 scheme to the sale of fireworks, as widely used for the sale of Alcohol, to try to ensure that fewer young people purchase and are consequently injured by fireworks.

This Council Meeting resolves to:

·         Write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays;

·         Actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people, including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks, such as purchasing quieter fireworks;

·         enable all public firework displays within Stockport borough to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for people in their care and pets;

·         encourage retailers of fireworks to separate ‘quieter’ fireworks from the louder ones so people can choose which ones they prefer, with animal and people safety in mind; and

·         encourage retailers to apply the Challenge 25 scheme to the sale of fireworks in Stockport borough, so that those over 18 but who look under 25 have to show photo ID, as needed when they want to buy alcohol.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the law is failing as it does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.

This Council meeting notes:

·         The Council does not licence firework displays/bonfires.

·         The Council does not organise any firework displays/bonfires

·         Any organisation wanting to hold an event in a public park must apply for permission and the application would go to the relevant Area Committee - no licence is required.

·         Displays organised privately are sometimes notified to the Council but not always.  When notified the Council puts the information on its website.

·         Challenge 25 does include fireworks and any age restricted product sold by retailers.  The Council encourages retailers to adopt Challenger 25 and many do.  However, it is voluntary.

·         Firework Pop-up shops do not have to be licensed by the Council but registered with the Fire Service who will inspect the fireworks to be sold and their storage.

·         There is a time restriction on the sale of fireworks from 15th October to 10th November and at other times to cater for religious festivals.

The Council wants to do all it can within its powers to mitigate the harm and distress caused but has restrictions under which it can do so, given current legislation.

However, better information for the public, more robust encouragement to retailers to adopt Challenge 25 and more co-operation between the various organisations with regard to awareness campaigns is all possible as well as writing to the Government about restrictions on the noise levels of fireworks sold to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.(i)

To consider a report of the Chair of the Standards Committee.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Chair of the Standards Committee’s Annual Report on the conduct of members during the 2018/19 municipal year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning and Governance.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2020/21 be confirmed and published in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

To appoint Mr Oliver Harrison as a governor representative on the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of Mr Oliver Harrison as a governor representative on the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a series of proposed amendments to Part 5 of the Council’s Constitution (the Council Meeting Procedure Rules).

RESOLVED – That consideration of the proposed amendments to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules stand adjourned until the next Ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 24.2.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a number of proposed amendments to the already published Business Programme for 2020/21 and to consider the proposed Business Programme for 2021/22 that had been formulated following cross party dialogue and agreement facilitated by the Constitution Working Party.

RESOLVED - That the Business Programme for the municipal years 2020/21 and 2021/22 be approved and adopted.