Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 9 July 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Meeting of the Council held on 9 July 2020 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 that he had attended the opening of the new play area at Carrs Road Park on 10 July 2020.  It was further reported that the Mayor had signed the Covid-19 online book of remembrance for Greater Manchester.  The Mayor then reported that he had been interviewed at the new Mercedes showroom near Junction 1 of the M60 about the history of the site and by Strawberry Radio about the role of the Mayor and the Mayor’s nominated charities.  More recently, the Mayor had attended Heaton Norris Park as guests of National Grid

The Mayor then reported that 9 September 2020 was NHS and Emergency Services Day and he had presented a plaque to the staff at Stepping Hill Hospital to show appreciation for those staff at the hospital and across all of the emergency services.

The Mayor stated that he had received a letter from the ‘Help the Hatters’ community group thanking all those individuals and organisations that had supported it in carrying out its work in supporting the club and in the wider community.  It was noted that the group had received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its outstanding work.

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 interests were declared:-

Personal Interest

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

It was noted that the Deputy Chief Executive had approved a wide dispensation to enable any member with a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or a Personal and Prejudicial interest in Summons Item 11(iii) – ‘Motion - Protection against eviction and homelessness for private renters affected by Covid-19’  to take part and vote at the meeting.

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

Beacon Counselling

To consider a presentation from Beacon Counselling in relation to their activities in the borough.

The Mayor reported on the receipt of a petition signed by 3,146 signatories opposing the development of Mirlees Fields, Woodsmoor for residential use and the remainder of the site as a country park. 

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

Beacon Counselling

James Harper (Chief Executive, Beacon Counselling) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to the work of Beacon Counselling.

At the conclusion of the item, the Mayor expressed thanks to James Harper for his attendance and presentation.

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.

Five public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to investments made by Greater Manchester Pension Fund in fossil fuels and what the position of the Council was on this issue.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that she had asked the Greater Manchester Pension Fund for a full response to the issues that had been raised and that this would be forwarded to the questioner on receipt. 

Councillor John Taylor, as the Council’s representative on the Greater Manchester Pension Fund provided further clarity on the broad approach of the Fund to its investments.

·         Relating to whether the Council would set measurable targets to reduce emissions, create a citizens assembly made up from of a cross section of residents to help in making decisions and set up a dedicated scrutiny community with the sole purpose of holding the council to account on its actions to reduce global heating.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that the Council was very serious about tackling climate change and that it would be considering its Climate Emergency Strategy as an item later on the Summons for the meeting.  The Strategy had 16 pages of aims and was a working document that had received a large majority in support during the public consultation. 

It was stated that further public engagement would take place as soon as was practical under the current restriction imposed by the relevant coronavirus regulations and guidance and the Strategy would be subject to scrutiny through the Council’s existing scrutiny committee arrangements.

·         Relating to the rejection of the Stepping Hill CPZ by 95% of respondents to the consultation and whether it now accepted that a fair parking solution for residents cannot include an allowance for hospital parking at residential kerbsides.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that she was aware of the strong feelings of residents in the Stepping Hill area on this issue, and that a significant amount of work had bene put in by Council officers to try and find a solution to the issues being experienced in the locality.  It was confirmed that there were no current plans to develop further options, but that the Council would continue to work with and support the hospital in their efforts to improve the parking situation.

Councillor Mark Weldon further responded that he agreed with the points made by the questioner and that the proposed approach of putting paid-for parking bays in a residential area had been unprecedented in Stockport and that the inferred allowance for overspill parking from the hospital on residential streets was unacceptable.  Councillor Weldon further stated that he did not consider that the Council’s current approach in not seeking to develop any further solutions for the area was appropriate.

·         Relating to whether the Council would agree and implement measurable targets and milestones that address the recommendation of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change that it should immediately initiate sustained programmes to reduce CO2 emissions at an average rate of 13.1% per year.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that the Council will agree and implement the targets and objectives set out in the seven work streams as shown in Stockport Climate Strategy with the overall aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2038..

·         Relating to whether the Council would actively intervene to persuade Sainsbury’s not to close its store in Stockport town centre with effect from January 2021, and whether it would assist Sainsbury’s and other retailers by reinstating the 300 Metroshuttle service.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that the Council remained in active discussions with Sainsbury’s and that it would continue to press for the best  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(ii)

(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

Councillor Tom Morrison stated that last year the government announced that it was recruiting an additional 20,000 police officers and that 6,000 of these would be in place by March 2021.  However, figures recently released suggested that so far only 4,336 had been recruited nationally and in Greater Manchester there had been a net gain of just 30 officers of the 347 promised by government.  Councillor Morrison asked whether Councillor Amanda Peers  would agree with him that it was disappointing that the government was so far behind its target.

Councillor Peers responded that she shared some of Councillor Morrison’s concerns and that while the coronavirus pandemic had impacted on recruitment, there was a case for the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester to raise this issue with the government and that she would raise the issue at next week’s meeting of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

Councillor Peers confirmed that she would be happy to work with political groups across the Council on this issue.

Councillor Mark Hunter asked whether Councillor Peers could confirm the allocation of police officers to Stockport resulting from the separate general GM Mayoral precept increase and whether this was the 17 suggested by Councillor Peers, or the 32 that would have been an equal share of the 320 officers that were due to be recruited through this process.

Councillor Peers clarified that the 17 officers were the additional beat officers allocated to Stockport, and that Stockport would benefit from the additional number of officers that had been allocated to Greater Manchester-wide policing resources such as the transport unit.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor Mark Hunter  asked whether the Leader of the Council would stand by the decision of her predecessor, former councillor Alex Ganotis, not to support the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework going forward unless there was a consensus of support in this Council.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that AGMA had agreed the timetable for the Greater Manchester Spatial framework at its most recent meeting and confirmed that this would be considered through the Council’s own governance process which would include private briefings for each of the political groups before its consideration by the Council Meeting on 22 October 2020, the majority vote from which would determine the Council’s position on the matter.

To consider a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & 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 an update on the functioning of the Council’s Treasury Management functions for 2019/20. The report confirmed that during the period in question the Council had complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements and that borrowing had only been undertaken for a capital purpose and the statutory borrowing limit had not been breached.

RESOLVED –The Council Meeting has:-

·         given approval to the actual 2019/20 prudential and treasury indicators in the report;

·         noted the annual treasury management report for 2019/20; and

·         noted that changes have been made to the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement and Practices during 2019/20 to accommodate the requirements of the revised CIPFA Codes published in December 2017.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the permanent appointment to the position of the Council’s Director of Public Health.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of Jennifer Connolly to the position of the Council’s Director of Public Health.

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

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care & Health (Councillor Jude Wells) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the progress that had been made on the development of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan following the decision that the GM Local Authorities will move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable in light of COVID-19 restrictions, and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards. The report also considered the formal governance mechanisms that will underpin the delivery of a GM Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and the supporting measures.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be recommended to :-

(1) Note the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;

(2) Note that TfGM have confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit should be distributed as soon as possible as per arrangements put in place for the Clean Bus Technology Funds;

(3) Note the update on the possible impacts of COVID-19 on the GM Clean Air Plan;

(4) Agree that Stockport Council along with the other nine GM local Authorities hold n 8-week public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan commencing in October 2020;

(5) Note that the GM local Authorities intend to consult on GM’s proposed Minimum Licensing Standards, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation;

(6) Agree that TfGM act as the Operating Body for the GM CAZ and supporting measures as set out at paragraph 9.5;

(7) Agree that Stockport Council along with the other nine GM Authorities individually be a ‘charging authority’ for the purposes of the CAZ, pursuant to the Transport Act 2000;

(8) Endorse the GM Clean Air Plan Policy for Consultation at Appendix 3;

(9 Note the Equalities Impact Assessment on the Clean Air Plan, as set out at Appendix 5;

(10) Note that further reports will be brought forward to set out the formal governance mechanisms that will underpin the delivery of a GM Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and the supporting measures, including the full scope of the suite of powers that will be needed to be delegated to the Operating Body;

(11) Agree a delegation to the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to approve the submission of the cases for measures to the Government's Joint Air Quality Unit to support the GM Clean Air Plan;

(12) Agree a delegation to the Corporate Director of Place Management and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health and Director of Public Health to approve the GM Clean Air Plan consultation materials, to include the Equalities Impact Assessment on the consultation; and

(13) Note the response to DfT’s Decarbonising Transport – setting the challenge, as set out at Appendix 1, has been submitted to Government.

(14) Note that the consultation sets the proposed boundary of the Clean Air Zone to exclude the A555 from the junction with the B5166 in the west to the junction with A523 in the east, as outlined at paragraph 4.17.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of a proposed strategy for Stockport to meet its climate obligations, covering all aspects of the Council and Borough, as well as making it clear that tackling climate change will require every stakeholder in Stockport to play their part: Council, residents, businesses and communities.

RESOLVED – That the Climate Emergency Plan be approved and adopted.

To appoint Kathy England and Zoe Smith as members of the Stockport Local Access Forum.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) requested that the Council Meeting gave consideration to the appointment of members to site on the Stockport Local Access Forum.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of Kathy England and Zoe Smith as members of the Stockport Local Access Forum.

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 that since the last Council Meeting there had been an easing of the national lockdown and restrictions for Greater Manchester.  The rate of infection in Stockport was now slightly higher than the national average, but significantly lower than the rest of Greater Manchester or the north west average.  It was stated that while it was right the restrictions were lifted for Stockport, there may be a time when additional measures would be required to keep infection rates down.

It was stated that at the last meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority it was agreed to develop a one year Greater Manchester ‘living with Covid’ strategy, the aim of which was to increase resilience and ultimately build back better.

Councillor Wilson stated that it was imperative that a solution was put in place by government to avoid large-scale unemployment and to support businesses to retain employees and navigate  their way through the current uncertain economic conditions.   It was stated that the Council remained ambitious on behalf of its residents and investment in Stockport showed there was sustained confidence in the borough.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that we were four months into the financial year, and that he consistently stated that despite the ongoing difficulties the Council would be able to manage through the remainder of the year and that there was no need for an emergency budget.

However, Councillor McGee reported that in the light of the current shift in coronavirus transmission rates consideration was being given to the Council’s ability to continue to collect money, spent it where necessary and deliver the services that the public relied on over the course of the next six months.  Reviews were taking place several times a week to examine all areas of Council expenditure, however the Council was not yet anywhere near approaching the need to serve Section 114 notices.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) reported that the Council had reopened some its leisure centres under very difficult circumstances, and that detailed discussions had taken place with Life leisure to enable the reopening of an initial six centres.  It was stated that consideration was now being given to the longer-term arrangements for the next six months.

Councillor Bailey then confirmed that public toilets had started to reopen in line with government guidance, with those at Etherow Country park, Bruntwood Park, Marple Memorial Park, Bredbury Recreation Ground and Reddish Vale Country Park all now open to the public.

It was further reported that the long awaited independent flood investigation report into the incidences of flooding in July/ August 2019 had now been received by the Council and was due to be considered by area committees at the end of September and that the Council would be holding online consultation events during October before bringing a finalised report with recommended actions back the scrutiny and the Cabinet in December.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement (Councillor Kate Butler) reported that the Council was proposing to open a One Stockport Hub in the town centre offering a range of library services and a consultation had recently commenced on this issue.  It was proposed that this would be located on the site recently vacated by Argos in Merseyway. 

It was stated that the reopening of Central Library in a covid-secure way had proved challenging and would require significant additional safety measures as well as staffing, and that this coupled with the issue of the prominent, vacant unit in Merseyway had afforded an opportunity to demonstrate a range of services and to show what a modern library looks and feels like.

The consultation feedback had been broadly positive, with the majority of concerns expressed being in relation to the future of the Central Library building.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.(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 Cabinet Members for Children, Family Services & Education, Economy & Regeneration 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 28 July 2020 (pages) 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 28 July 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 – 16 July 2020

Children & Families – 15 July 2020

Communities & Housing – 13 July 2020

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 14 July 2020

Economy & Regeneration – 16 July 2020

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 27 July 2020

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 – 16 July 2020

Children & Families – 15 July 2020

Communities & Housing – 13 July 2020

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 14 July 2020

Economy & Regeneration – 16 July 2020

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 27 July 2020

To consider a report of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee (Councillir Lisa Smart) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing scrutiny review topics which had been proposed by scrutiny committees for 2020/21.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the scrutiny review programme for 2020/21.

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

Audit – 12 August 2020

Contributors – 23 July 2020

Funding – 29 July 2020

Health & Wellbeing Board – 15 July and 12 August 2020

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 1 September 2020

Member – 6 July 2020

Planning & Highways Regulation – 2 July and 6 August 2020

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 23 July and 20 August 2020

Central Stockport – 23 July and 20 August 2020

Cheadle – 21 July and 18 August 2020

Heatons & Reddish – 20 July and 17 August 2020

Marple – 22 July, 19 August and 2 September 2020

Stepping Hill – 21 July and 18 August 2020

Werneth – 20 July and 17 August 2020

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 – 12 August 2020

Contributors – 23 July 2020

Funding – 29 July 2020

Health & Wellbeing Board – 15 July and 12 August 2020

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 1 September 2020

ember – 6 July 2020

Planning & Highways Regulation – 2 July and 6 August 2020

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 23 July and 20 August 2020

Central Stockport – 23 July and 20 August 2020

Cheadle – 21 July and 18 August 2020

Heatons & Reddish – 20 July and 17 August 2020

Marple – 22 July, 19 August and 2 September 2020

Stepping Hill – 21 July and 18 August 2020

Werneth – 20 July and 17 August 2020

This council meeting notes with great concern the white paper “Planning for the Future”, published by the government just after parliament rose for its summer recess in August.

This council meeting believes these proposals:

·         would completely change local residents’ involvement with housing and other developments in their own area, only being consulted on Local Plans including zoning proposals of where developments would be allowed, but having no say whatsoever about individual development proposals;

·         would also remove local control from councillors over planning, including much less detailed Local Plans and much more centralised development management policies;

·         lose funding opportunities for local infrastructure and affordable homes;

·         give too much control to developers, who already have a history of not delivering developments after gaining planning permission; and

·         given the current government’s ideological stance and majority in the House of Commons, are very likely to become law.

This council meeting notes that, once passed into law, these planning proposals would require Stockport to have a compliant new Local Plan within 30 months, demonstrating 5 years’ land supply and reviewed at least every 5 years.  This deadline would be extended by just 12 months if a current-style plan had been adopted within the preceding three years, which is not the case in Stockport.

This council meeting further notes that the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), which is due to be voted on by the ten participating Local Authorities in the coming months, go out for its final public consultation this autumn and be submitted for Inspection next year:

·         does not comply with the new approach to planning and, without considerable new work, would not produce a valid Local Plan under the proposed changes;

·         allocates a land supply of 17 years, requiring the identification of much more development land, including in the Green Belt, than would be needed in a 5 year plan, that this additional land is likely to be the most attractive to developers and undermines this council’s “Brownfield first” approach to development; and

·         would not prevent this council from needing to start development of a new-style Local Plan almost immediately after adoption.

This council meeting therefore resolves to withdraw from the GMSF forthwith, turning our attention instead to developing our own five year Local Plan, mindful of the likely new requirements  to be imposed by central government, to ensure that we are compliant within 30 months of the new legislation coming into force.  

Moved by:     Councillor Mark Hunter

Seconded by:           Councillor Lisa Smart

MOVED AND SECONDED - This council meeting notes with great concern the white paper “Planning for the Future”, published by the government just after parliament rose for its summer recess in August.

This council meeting believes these proposals:

·         would completely change local residents’ involvement with housing and other developments in their own area, only being consulted on Local Plans including zoning proposals of where developments would be allowed, but having no say whatsoever about individual development proposals;

·         would also remove local control from councillors over planning, including much less detailed Local Plans and much more centralised development management policies;

·         lose funding opportunities for local infrastructure and affordable homes;

·         give too much control to developers, who already have a history of not delivering developments after gaining planning permission; and

·         given the current government’s ideological stance and majority in the House of Commons, are very likely to become law.

This council meeting notes that, once passed into law, these planning proposals would require Stockport to have a compliant new Local Plan within 30 months, demonstrating 5 years’ land supply and reviewed at least every 5 years.  This deadline would be extended by just 12 months if a current-style plan had been adopted within the preceding three years, which is not the case in Stockport.

This council meeting further notes that the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), which is due to be voted on by the ten participating Local Authorities in the coming months, go out for its final public consultation this autumn and be submitted for Inspection next year:

·         does not comply with the new approach to planning and, without considerable new work, would not produce a valid Local Plan under the proposed changes;

·         allocates a land supply of 17 years, requiring the identification of much more development land, including in the Green Belt, than would be needed in a 5 year plan, that this additional land is likely to be the most attractive to developers and undermines this council’s “Brownfield first” approach to development; and

·         would not prevent this council from needing to start development of a new-style Local Plan almost immediately after adoption.

This council meeting therefore resolves to withdraw from the GMSF forthwith, turning our attention instead to developing our own five year Local Plan, mindful of the likely new requirements  to be imposed by central government, to ensure that we are compliant within 30 months of the new legislation coming into force.

At 9.38 pm it was

RESOLVED – That the meeting be adjourned.

At 9.48 pm the meeting reconvened.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes the recent publication of the white paper “Planning for the Future” which is currently subject to a twelve week consultation until the end of October 2020.

This Council Meeting notes

·         And welcomes the explicit commitment in the white paper that “the existing policy for Green Belt protection would remain”;

·         That responsibility for allocation of land would remain with local authorities;

·         The emphasis placed in the white paper on a brownfield first approach to maximise housing development on previously developed land;

·         The award of £81.1M in Brownfield Land Funding from the Government to address land viability issues across Greater Manchester, with a further £40M available to bid for;

·         The Government’s proposals that Local Plans would need to cover development needs for a minimum of 10 years while the current NPPF requires strategic policies to look ahead at development needs over a minimum of 15 years;

·         That any post-consultation final proposals taken forward are unlikely to be implemented before 2024.

This Council Meeting further notes

·         That it is a statutory requirement for Local Authorities to have an up to date Local Plan;

·         The comments of the Chief Planner at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government that publication of white paper proposals for consultation is not a reason for Local Authorities to halt or delay plan making;

·         That Stockport Council commenced work on an updated Local Plan in 2015 and continues to work on its emerging Local Plan;

·         That Local Authorities without an up to date Local Plan risk their green belt being targeted by developers and being left open to planning by appeal where legal process, rather than Stockport residents’ wishes, dictates development in valued areas of our Borough and/ or intervention from the Secretary of State;

·         Stockport has since 2017 developed a Brownfield Register which has delivered the positive identification of sites with the real potential for 7,200 new homes within the urban area;

·         Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation is leading the way in innovation delivering real change, repurposing previously commercial buildings to high specification, modern residential units such as The Mail Box and the award winning White Lion conversion, and creating a variety of homes backed with quality amenity space in the Town Centre;

·         Stockport needs the right homes in the right places, with a variety of housing types and all tenures including affordable homes, social rented properties,  and homes for first time buyers, families, and retirement properties for those looking to downsize;

·         The final version of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework has not yet

·         been published; and

·         The Stockport Council Leadership has always supported a full debate and a Member’s vote in full Council once the final GMSF is published which is expected in October 2020.

This Council Meeting continues to be committed to a Brownfield First policy

prioritising housing development on previously developed land and necessarily providing protection to our much valued Green Belt.

This Council Meeting believes that the final proposals of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) 2020, which, if approved, will be submitted for Inspection next year, should be fully published with maximum transparency, should clearly show how consultation responses to the 2019 draft have been taken into account highlighting changes to previous drafts of the framework and subject to full debate by elected members prior to any decision to proceed or not with the GMSF 2020 and move to a public consultation.

The Council Meeting therefore resolves to

·         Recommend this Council respond to the Government consultation on the planning white paper “Planning for the Future”;

·         Request that the Proper Officer convene a meeting of the Development Plan Working Party prior to the next Council Meeting to consider the 2020 version of GMSF, the Stockport Local Plan as well as the Government’s proposals for reform to the planning system as outlined in “Planning for the Future”; and

·         Suspend the Council Meeting Procedure rules relating to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.(i)

At this stage in the proceedings the Mayor informed the Council Meeting that the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) would be invoked unless the Council Meeting wished the meeting to continue.

RESOLVED – (34 for, 27 against) That, notwithstanding the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9, the meeting continue to deal with the remaining business on the Summons.

Upon the amendment being put to the vote:-

For the amendment 30 for, 27 against, 1 abstention.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – (33 for, 1 against, 26 abstentions) This Council Meeting notes the recent publication of the white paper “Planning for the Future” which is currently subject to a twelve week consultation until the end of October 2020.

This Council Meeting notes

·         And welcomes the explicit commitment in the white paper that “the existing policy for Green Belt protection would remain”;

·         That responsibility for allocation of land would remain with local authorities;

·         The emphasis placed in the white paper on a brownfield first approach to maximise housing development on previously developed land;

·         The award of £81.1M in Brownfield Land Funding from the Government to address land viability issues across Greater Manchester, with a further £40M available to bid for;

·         The Government’s proposals that Local Plans would need to cover development needs for a minimum of 10 years while the current NPPF requires strategic policies to look ahead at development needs over a minimum of 15 years;

·         That any post-consultation final proposals taken forward are unlikely to be implemented before 2024.

This Council Meeting further notes

·         That it is a statutory requirement for Local Authorities to have an up to date Local Plan;

·         The comments of the Chief Planner at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government that publication of white paper proposals for consultation is not a reason for Local Authorities to halt or delay plan making;

·         That Stockport Council commenced work on an updated Local Plan in 2015 and continues to work on its emerging Local Plan;

·         That Local Authorities without an up to date Local Plan risk their green belt being targeted by developers and being left open to planning by appeal where legal process, rather than Stockport residents’ wishes, dictates development in valued areas of our Borough and/ or intervention from the Secretary of State;

·         Stockport has since 2017 developed a Brownfield Register which has delivered the positive identification of sites with the real potential for 7,200 new homes within the urban area;

·         Stockport’s Mayoral Development Corporation is leading the way in innovation delivering real change, repurposing previously commercial buildings to high specification, modern residential units such as The Mail Box and the award winning White Lion conversion, and creating a variety of homes backed with quality amenity space in the Town Centre;

·         Stockport needs the right homes in the right places, with a variety of housing types and all tenures including affordable homes, social rented properties,  and homes for first time buyers, families, and retirement properties for those looking to downsize;

·         The final version of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework has not yet

·         been published; and

·         The Stockport Council Leadership has always supported a full debate and a Member’s vote in full Council once the final GMSF is published which is expected in October 2020.

This Council Meeting continues to be committed to a Brownfield First policy

prioritising housing development on previously developed land and necessarily providing protection to our much valued Green Belt.

This Council Meeting believes that the final proposals of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) 2020, which, if approved, will be submitted for Inspection next year, should be fully published with maximum transparency, should clearly show how consultation responses to the 2019 draft have been taken into account highlighting changes to previous drafts of the framework and subject to full debate by elected members prior to any decision to proceed or not with the GMSF 2020 and move to a public consultation.

The Council Meeting therefore resolves to

·         Recommend this Council respond to the Government consultation on the planning white paper “Planning for the Future”;

·         Request that the Proper Officer convene a meeting of the Development Plan Working Party prior to the next Council Meeting to consider the 2020 version of GMSF, the Stockport Local Plan as well as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.(i)

This Council notes:

Northern's decision to temporarily suspend the Rose Hill Marple railway line from Monday 14th September, leaving passengers at Rose Hill Marple and Woodley with no rail services onto Manchester Piccadilly.

This Council recognises:

That as a result of this suspension, services stopping at Marple, Romiley, Bredbury, Brinnington and Reddish North will likely see an increase in passengers on these already regularly short formed and often congested trains;

That during this COVID-19 pandemic, reducing rail services makes social distancing more difficult; and

This could permanently damage local trust and confidence in the Greater Manchester public transport network, putting more pressure on our already congested roads as people have little option but to resort to car usage. 

This Council further recognises:

That the impact of this suspension on the residents of Stockport will be significant, particularly on young people returning to school or college, older people in an established routine and those with caring responsibilities;

That rail travel is the third most environmentally friendly way to travel, after walking and cycling, with the greenhouse effect of gas emissions per kilometre on railway transport 80% less than cars making a similar journey; and

Increasing rail travel can directly contribute to the reduction of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere, supporting plans to achieve cleaner air in Greater Manchester.

This Council resolves to:

Call on the Chief Executive to write to the Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris outlining Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s opposition to the temporary suspension of services;

To ask the Rail Minister to contact the Rail North Partnership, who manage the Northern franchise; and to

Demand that services on the Rose Hill Marple line are restored immediately.

Moved by:                  Councillor Matt Wynne

Seconded by:           Councillor Tom Dowse

With the consent of the Council Meeting, this item was withdrawn.

This motion calls on the Council to lobby the Government to bring forward legislation to scrap Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, known as ‘no fault’ evictions, and suspend Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, for rent arrears built up due to the economic shock of Covid-19.

Rent arrears have tripled since the onset of coronavirus. An estimated half a million households are in debt to their landlord, and this number is likely to increase as the furlough scheme is wound down in Autumn and further job losses are announced.  Without financial support, thousands more renters will face homelessness.  Research by Generation Rent shows over half of renters are worried about eviction, and a third are very worried about their ability to pay the rent.[1]

This Council notes:

·         The Government pledged to scrap Section 21 in their manifesto and the last election.

·         The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pledged "no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home"

·         Local authorities are the on the front line of our fight against coronavirus. Many councils across the country have warned that homelessness services are preparing for an increase of cases after the eviction ban is lifted.

·         The governments in Scotland and Wales have recognised that, with the virus undefeated and the economic outlook uncertain, renters need additional protection from eviction to help them stay safely in their homes. But the UK Government is continuing with evictions as normal. 

This Council agrees that:

·         No one should lose their home due to the economic impact of covid-19. The Government must  bring forward temporary legislation to make sure no renter’s home is at risk.

·         Now is the time for the Government to deliver on their pledge to end ‘no fault’ evictions, where tenants can be forced to leave their home for no good reason.

This motion calls on the Council to:

·         Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking them to commit to bringing forward temporary legislation to scrap Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, and suspend Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, for rent arrears built up due to the economic shock of Covid-19.

·         Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking them to release the findings for the ‘A new deal for renting: resetting the balance of rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants’ consultation, which closed in October 2019.

·         Support Generation Rent’s No Home At Risk campaign and work with them to deliver more affordable, secure and safer homes in the private rented sector.

Moved by:      Councillor Sheila Bailey

Seconded by:           Councillor Mark Roberts

[1] https://www.generationrent.org/relying_on_compassion_isn_t_working

RESOLVED - This motion calls on the Council to lobby the Government to bring forward legislation to scrap Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, known as ‘no fault’ evictions, and suspend Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, for rent arrears built up due to the economic shock of Covid-19.

Rent arrears have tripled since the onset of coronavirus. An estimated half a million households are in debt to their landlord, and this number is likely to increase as the furlough scheme is wound down in Autumn and further job losses are announced.  Without financial support, thousands more renters will face homelessness.  Research by Generation Rent shows over half of renters are worried about eviction, and a third are very worried about their ability to pay the rent.

This Council notes:

·         The Government pledged to scrap Section 21 in their manifesto and the last election.

·         The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pledged "no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home"

·         Local authorities are the on the front line of our fight against coronavirus. Many councils across the country have warned that homelessness services are preparing for an increase of cases after the eviction ban is lifted.

·         The governments in Scotland and Wales have recognised that, with the virus undefeated and the economic outlook uncertain, renters need additional protection from eviction to help them stay safely in their homes. But the UK Government is continuing with evictions as normal.

This Council agrees that:

·         No one should lose their home due to the economic impact of covid-19. The Government must  bring forward temporary legislation to make sure no renter’s home is at risk.

·         Now is the time for the Government to deliver on their pledge to end ‘no fault’ evictions, where tenants can be forced to leave their home for no good reason.

This motion calls on the Council to:

·         Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking them to commit to bringing forward temporary legislation to scrap Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, and suspend Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, for rent arrears built up due to the economic shock of Covid-19.

·         Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking them to release the findings for the ‘A new deal for renting: resetting the balance of rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants’ consultation, which closed in October 2019.

·         Support Generation Rent’s No Home At Risk campaign and work with them to deliver more affordable, secure and safer homes in the private rented sector.

This Council notes

·         Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high.

·         There are two main types of diabetes:-

Type 1

The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. It can develop quickly over weeks or even days’ Its causes are unknown and it is unrelated to diet or lifestyle. No lifestyle changes can be made to lower the risk of Type 1 diabetes

Type 2

The body often produces enough insulin, but the body’s cells are resistant and do not react to normal levels of insulin

·         Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes with about 90% of all diabetic adults suffering from this form.

·         Many people have Type 2 diabetes for years without realising it, because its early symptom may not be noticeable.

This council further notes

·         The role of insulin in diabetes:

·         The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a panel of hormones, the most important being insulin, which is produced by small organelles within the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach).

When food is digested and enters the bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it is broken down to produce energy. In a patient with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose (Type 1 diabetes), or the insulin produced does not work properly (Type 2 diabetes). Increased levels of adipose tissue (stored fat) is the major cause of this insulin resistance.

·         Diabetes affects more than 4.5 million people in the UK. This is more than any other serious condition in the UK, and more than dementia and cancer combined. Almost 3.6 million people have been diagnosed in the UK. About 1 million people are estimated to have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. Every day around 700 people are diagnosed with diabetes; one person every two minutes.

·           Only 30% of people believe that diabetes is a serious condition

·           Diabetes is extremely serious. Every week diabetes leads to:

Comorbidities with diabetes are

• Hypertension – 57%
• Obesity – 34%
• Coronary Heart Disease – 17%
• Depression – 16%
• Current smoker – 16%
• Chronic kidney disease – 14%
• Anxiety – 12%
• Fall – 10%

• Type 2 diabetes is not a directly inherited disorder, however, there is a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes. The children of a diabetes sufferer are statistically more likely to develop the disorder. This should act as an early warning, but a healthy lifestyle and weight control can mitigate this.
• Once contracted, there is no cure for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be managed into remission with lifestyle changes, healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight. Type 1 diabetes cannot be manged in this way.

This Council resolves to ask Public Health to

• Circulate leaflets and posters to GP surgeries, notice boards in supermarkets and reception areas of public spaces informing the public of the consequences of developing diabetes
• Advertise the new NHS Diabetes Prevention Program online self-referral model that is available until March 2021
• Place a verbal or written report concerning diabetes onto the agendas of Area Committees
• Campaign for British soap operas to develop storylines on diabetes to further raise awareness among the public

Moved by:                  Councillor John Wright

Seconded by:           Councillor Dena Ryness

Councillor Chris Gordon

RESOLVED - This Council notes

·         Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high.

·         There are two main types of diabetes:-

Type 1

The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. It can develop quickly over weeks or even days’ Its causes are unknown and it is unrelated to diet or lifestyle. No lifestyle changes can be made to lower the risk of Type 1 diabetes

Type 2

The body often produces enough insulin, but the body’s cells are resistant and do not react to normal levels of insulin

·         Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes with about 90% of all diabetic adults suffering from this form.

·         Many people have Type 2 diabetes for years without realising it, because its early symptom may not be noticeable.

This council further notes

·         The role of insulin in diabetes:

·         The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a panel of hormones, the most important being insulin, which is produced by small organelles within the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach).

When food is digested and enters the bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it is broken down to produce energy. In a patient with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose (Type 1 diabetes), or the insulin produced does not work properly (Type 2 diabetes). Increased levels of adipose tissue (stored fat) is the major cause of this insulin resistance.

·         Diabetes affects more than 4.5 million people in the UK. This is more than any other serious condition in the UK, and more than dementia and cancer combined. Almost 3.6 million people have been diagnosed in the UK. About 1 million people are estimated to have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. Every day around 700 people are diagnosed with diabetes; one person every two minutes.

·           Only 30% of people believe that diabetes is a serious condition

·           Diabetes is extremely serious. Every week diabetes leads to:

Comorbidities with diabetes are

• Hypertension – 57%
• Obesity – 34%
• Coronary Heart Disease – 17%
• Depression – 16%
• Current smoker – 16%
• Chronic kidney disease – 14%
• Anxiety – 12%
• Fall – 10%

• Type 2 diabetes is not a directly inherited disorder, however, there is a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes. The children of a diabetes sufferer are statistically more likely to develop the disorder. This should act as an early warning, but a healthy lifestyle and weight control can mitigate this.
• Once contracted, there is no cure for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be managed into remission with lifestyle changes, healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight. Type 1 diabetes cannot be manged in this way.

This Council resolves to ask Public Health to

• Circulate leaflets and posters to GP surgeries, notice boards in supermarkets and reception areas of public spaces informing the public of the consequences of developing diabetes
• Advertise the new NHS Diabetes Prevention Program online self-referral model that is available until March 2021
• Place a verbal or written report concerning diabetes onto the agendas of Area Committees
• Campaign for British soap operas to develop storylines on diabetes to further raise awareness among the public

This Council Meeting recognises the extraordinary circumstances created by the Covid19 global pandemic and the necessity of a number of service changes to waste and recycling collections over the last 6 months.

This Council Meeting further recognises the response of Stockport’s bin crews who have done an outstanding job in difficult circumstances. The workforce have shown commitment and flexibility, including the training of additional HGV drivers, which has enabled a service to continue throughout.

This Council Meeting also recognises the understanding and cooperation shown by Stockport residents during this period where there have been a number of changes to their usual waste and recycling schedules. The majority of Stockport residents have fully supported the bin collection crews and have been very appreciative of their continued service.

This Council Meeting notes that Stockport is a green and leafy Borough, with large semi-rural areas and that this Council is committed to enhancing the urban environment with a greening roads programme due to deliver an additional 2100 trees planted by the end of 2021.

This Council Meeting notes that according to recent ONS statistics 91% of Stockport properties have gardens or private outdoor space. Access to gardens and outdoor space has played an increasingly important role in many people’s lives and helped to support their health and wellbeing during and since lockdown.

This Council Meeting further notes that the autumn leafing season is fast approaching and that leaf drop can cause a number of issues, hazards and inconveniences to residents, to vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists. Allowing and encouraging residents to self-collect leaf drop means fewer leaves being blown or pushed onto roads and pavements.

The currently reduced green bin collection service, which has fallen from long established weekly to fortnightly collection has resulted in many residents having full green bins and additional leaves and other food or garden waste which remains uncollected. The current plans for a fortnightly green bin collection for the next six months is likely to be insufficient to meet many Stockport residents needs and while residents may make efforts to compost, this backlog is only likely to be exacerbated by autumnal leaf fall.

This Council Meeting therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport;

·         Pass on the thanks of Members to the staff and crews of TLC and Council Officers for their hard work during exceptional circumstances; and

·         To reinstate a weekly green bin collection as soon as possible and during the October to December leafing season to assist residents, keep our green Borough safe and tidy and to prevent a backlog during the autumn.

Moved by:      Councillor Brian Bagnall

Seconded by:           Councillor Mike Hurleston

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.

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting recognises the extraordinary circumstances created by the Covid19 global pandemic and the necessity of a number of service changes to waste and recycling collections over the last 6 months.

This Council Meeting further recognises the response of Stockport’s bin crews who have done an outstanding job in difficult circumstances. The workforce have shown commitment and flexibility, including the training of additional HGV drivers, which has enabled a service to continue throughout.

This Council Meeting also recognises the understanding and cooperation shown by Stockport residents during this period where there have been a number of changes to their usual waste and recycling schedules. The majority of Stockport residents have fully supported the bin collection crews and have been very appreciative of their continued service.

This Council Meeting notes that Stockport is a green and leafy Borough, with large semi-rural areas and that this Council is committed to enhancing the urban environment with a greening roads programme due to deliver an additional 2100 trees planted by the end of 2021.

This Council Meeting notes that according to recent ONS statistics 91% of Stockport properties have gardens or private outdoor space. Access to gardens and outdoor space has played an increasingly important role in many people’s lives and helped to support their health and wellbeing during and since lockdown.

This Council Meeting further notes that the autumn leafing season is fast approaching and that leaf drop can cause a number of issues, hazards and inconveniences to residents, to vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists. Allowing and encouraging residents to self-collect leaf drop means fewer leaves being blown or pushed onto roads and pavements.

The currently reduced green bin collection service, which has fallen from long established weekly to fortnightly collection has resulted in many residents having full green bins and additional leaves and other food or garden waste which remains uncollected. The current plans for a fortnightly green bin collection for the next six months is likely to be insufficient to meet many Stockport residents needs and while residents may make efforts to compost, this backlog is only likely to be exacerbated by autumnal leaf fall.

This Council Meeting therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport;

·         Pass on the thanks of Members to the staff and crews of TLC and Council Officers for their hard work during exceptional circumstances; and

·         To reinstate a weekly green bin collection as soon as possible and during the October to December leafing season to assist residents, keep our green Borough safe and tidy and to prevent a backlog during the autumn, subject to an operationally sufficient staffing level being maintained by TLC, especially in the event of a further increase in the Covid19 infection rate or a second wave.