Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 22 October and 17 November 2020 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings of the Council held on 22 October and 17 November 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 since the last meeting of the Council he had attended a large number of virtual meetings and events and had recorded messages of support for many great events around the Borough including the Mayor’s Breakfast led by Councillor Adrian Nottingham, Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, the Salvation Army and a live event with pupils from Bredbury Green Primary School.

It was further reported that Holocaust Memorial Day was due to be held on Wednesday, 27 January 2021.  Due to the restrictions imposed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, events were largely being held virtually and the Mayor extended his thanks to Councillor Ryness and Democratic Services for their work in ensuring the event was able to take place this year.

The Mayor thanked all of those who continued to support his Charity this year and advised members that donations could be made online using the Charity Fund’s Virgin Money Giving page.

The Mayor also referred to the commencement of the national Covid-19 vaccination programme and he encouraged everyone to get the vaccination as soon as they were invited to do so.

Finally, the Mayor noted that the Borough, and the country as a whole, had faced incredible challenges and that all members of the Council had previously paid tribute to the outstanding work of Council staff, community groups and individual residents in coming together to tackle the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable in society. 

The Mayor also remembered those who have suffered illness, tragedy and bereavement over the course of the previous year that had not been related to the pandemic.  In recent weeks, residents had experienced several non-pandemic related tragedies, and on behalf of the Council he expressed his best wishes to those who had been affected.

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.

Personal Interest

Personal and Prejudicial

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.

Four public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the provision of additional seating in Mersey Square, Stockport.

Councillor Malcolm Allan responded that after the restrictions imposed in response to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic had been relaxed it was important to encourage people to use and visit the town centre  and that anything that could be done to improve the seating in the area would facilitate to that.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) further responded that he agreed with the comments of Councillor Allan with regard to the need for further seating and that this could be further examined as part of the long-term plans for the redevelopment of Mersey Square and the adjacent areas, and in the shorter term as part of the response to the emergence from lockdown measures.

·         Requesting clarification of a statement from a Council officer that the Council will be imposing an annual charge for crossing the pavement via a dropped kerb.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) responded that she was surprised by the comments that had been attributed to a member of staff at the Council and subsequent checks to understand where this had originated from had not proven successful.  However, Councillor Bailey stated that there were no such proposals to impose the charges suggested in the question.

Councillor Lisa Smart further responded that she was encouraged by the response from Councillor Bailey that there were no such plans in place.

·         Relating to the carbon footprint of  construction projects that are about to take place in Stockport in the light of Council's plan to reduce emissions and reach net zero by 2038 and the fact that concrete production releases 8% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that the construction industry was well aware of CO2 emissions in the manufacturing of cement and their use in concrete and there was significant work ongoing to look at alternative production methods to reduce emissions.  It was stated that alternative materials were always considered in the development of schemes but these were not always acceptable either from structural or viability perspective.  However, the Council was working with other authorities across Greater Manchester to develop an environmental appraisal model that will include embedded environmental costs so that it was possible to track the Council’s progress in this area.  It was further stated that the Council remained committed to net-zero carbon by 2038.

·         Relating to the loss of a number of heritage assets in the Borough in previous decades and those buildings currently at risk including Woodbank Hall, and whether the Central Library building would be subject to the same fate unless it was maintained in active use as a library facility.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that Woodbank Hall was an important historic building and investigations were currently taking place to fully renovate, protect and keep the building in Council ownership.  With regard to Central Library, Councillor Wilson stated that the Council had previously confirmed that it was committed to restoring the library service as soon as possible and that in the long-term any changes to the use of Central Library would be subject to a public consultation.

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

Councillor Amanda Peers responded to questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor Elise Wilson and Councillor David Meller responded to question in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Greater Manchester Transport Committee.

To consider a report of the 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) 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:-

·         that the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Top-up scheme be continued for the year 2021/22, enabling CASCs to achieve 100% relief from Non-Domestic Rates, provided they meet the qualifying criteria at Appendix 2.

·         that Charity Relief remains limited to the 80% Mandatory Relief for the year 2021/22.

·         that Rural Rate Relief continues to be limited to 50% Mandatory Relief for the year 2021/22 and should any village shops be established in the future then additional discretionary relief should be awarded up to 100%.

·         that the 50% discount and qualifying criteria for Not for Profit organisations be maintained for the year 2021/22.That the local scheme for large businesses which are new to the Borough or those undergoing significant expansion in the Borough be continued for 2021/22.

·         that the continuation of a case by case approach for Business Rates discounts where exceptional circumstances exist be continued for 2021/22. 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.

·         that the Council continues to no longer offer a Council Tax discount in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties from 2021/22.

·         that the maximum Council Tax premium charge levels in respect of unoccupied and unfurnished properties are implemented in accordance with those shown at para 4.4.3 from 2021/22.

·         that any Council Tax liability for care leavers up to the age of 25 be reduced to zero for 2021/22.

·         that Stockport’s Council Tax Support scheme is maintained for 2021/22 as detailed at Appendix 5.

·         that in the absence of a government funded grant, the existing Council Tax discretionary fund is refreshed to £25k for 2021/22, supporting customers facing financial difficulty, with no alternative means.

·         that the Revenues & Benefits Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 6 is endorsed for 2021/22.

To consider a report of the 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 the Cabinet with a mid-year review of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2020/21 approved by Council on  27 February 2020 and has been prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services.

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

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

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) stating that Stockport Council was the Licensing Authority for the area of Stockport, and under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 (the Act) it was therefore responsible for the regulation of licensing matters within the borough.  The Act further required the Council to have a Statement of Licensing Policy which must be reviewed every five years. The current policy was last published in 2016 and so a review and publication was now due.

RESOLVED – That the Statement of Licensing Policy be approved and adopted.

To consider a report of the 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) 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 2021/22 be confirmed and published in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

To consider a report of the 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) detailing the progress of the ongoing electoral review being undertaken in Stockport by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and detailing a proposed draft Council Size Submission Report.

RESOLVED - That approval be given to the Council Size Submission Report.

The Leader of the Council to report at the meeting.

RESOLVED – (1) That Councillor Adrian Nottingham be invited to allow his name to be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting for election to the Office of Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2021/2022.

(2) That Councillor David Wilson be invited to allow his name to be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting for the appointment to the Office of Deputy Mayor for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport for the year 2021/2022.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic 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 a proposal to change the date of the Annual Council Meeting and the Informal Council Meeting to allow a longer period of time between the date of the election on 6 May 2021 and the date of the Annual Council Meeting.

RESOLVED – (1) That it be agreed to move the Annual Council Meeting from 18 May 2021 to 25 May 2021.

(2) That approval be given to the scheduling of an Informal Council Meeting on Thursday 20 May 2021 (if required).

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 she had recently visited Stepping Hill Hospital to inspect the new vaccination centre and commended staff for the speed with which this facility had been set up and the efficiency of the service being delivered.

Councillor Wilson then reported on the declaration of a major incident by Greater Manchester Police in response to Storm Christoph.  It was stated that while the worst had now passed, the situation continued to be monitored and updates would be provided to members as necessary.

It was further reported that the Borough Plan was now out for consultation.  It was stated that the Plan was an important partnership document that aimed to shape Stockport’s priorities and the long-term vision for the Borough, and it was hoped that as many people as possible engaged in the consultation to ensure that it reflected the views of residents.

Councillor Wilson then reported on the progress towards the development of a Local Plan, and it was stated that Stockport was in the 10% of Councils that did not have an up-to-date Local Plan.  Work on the Local Plan had now commenced in consultation with Group Leaders with further engagement to follow shortly.

It was noted that at a Greater Manchester level, the Mayor had not proposed to put forward an increase in the mayoral precept this year.  However, there was a proposed increase of £15 in the police precept to help stabilise operational performance after the reforms the service has had to undertake over the previous 10 years.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance (Councillor Tom McGee) reported that at the last meeting of the Cabinet the current position with regard to the Medium Term Financial Plan was considered.  It was noted that 12 months ago there was a degree of concern with regard to the increasing demand on Council services coupled with a loss of income and grants posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.  However, the position had improved over the past six months as a result of grants received from government.

Councillor McGee referred to the outstanding work undertaken by Council staff and the way in which they had adapted to undertake duties outside the scope of their original employment.  Councillor McGee reflected on the impact of Storm Christoph alongside the ongoing winter maintenance programme that had tested the Council’s civil contingency plans and shown them to be robust.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) reported that as a result of the impact of Storm Christoph, the A555 had been closed as the water tanks were full.  It was noted that the pumps had been operational, however the fact the tanks were full meant that there was nowhere to drain the excess water.  Councillor Meller stated that this was incredibly frustrating, however work was ongoing to look at the potential solutions and what was possible from an engineering perspective.

Councillor Meller then referred to the ongoing strike action affecting the British Gas site on Newbridge Lane, Stockport and condemned the actions of the company in firing staff and then rehiring them on worse terms and conditions particularly in the light of the risk those engineers had placed themselves at in ensuring customer’s heating was functioning during the winter months and the profits made by Centrica.

Finally, Councillor Meller welcomed the investment of £1 million towards the upkeep of Stockport Viaduct which played not only an important transportation role, but also had a key role in the regeneration of the Stockport Town Centre West area as part of the work of the Mayoral Development Corporation.

The Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods (Councillor Amanda Peers) reported that the recent report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services into Greater Manchester Police was the focus of her report to the meeting and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.(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; and the Cabinet Members for Children, Family Services & Education, Citizen Focus & Engagement, Economy & Regeneration and Inclusive Neighbourhoods 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 4 and 22 December 2021 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 4 and 22 December 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 – 10 December 2020

Children & Families – 9 December 2020

Communities & Housing – 7 December 2020

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 8 December 2020

Economy & Regeneration – 5 November and 2 and 10 December 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 – 10 December 2020

Children & Families – 9 December 2020

Communities & Housing – 7 December 2020

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 8 December 2020

Economy & Regeneration – 5 November and 2 and 10 December 2020

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 – 9 December 2020

Contributors – 26 November 2020

Funding – 18 November 2020

Health & Wellbeing Board – 4 November 2020

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 14 October and 25 November 2020

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 30 November and 8, 16 and 21 December 2020.

Member – 12 October 2020

Planning & Highways Regulation – 15 October and 26 November 2020

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 12 November and 17 December 2020

Central Stockport – 12 November and 17 December 2020

Cheadle – 10 November and 15 December 2020

Heatons & Reddish – 9 November and 14 December 2020

Marple – 11 November and 16 December 2020

Stepping Hill – 10 November and 15 December 2020

Werneth – 9 November and 14 December 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 – 9 December 2020

Contributors – 26 November 2020

Funding – 18 November 2020

Health & Wellbeing Board – 4 November 2020

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 14 October and 25 November 2020

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 30 November and 8, 16 and 21 December 2020.

Member – 12 October 2020

Planning & Highways Regulation – 15 October and 26 November 2020

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 12 November and 17 December 2020

Central Stockport – 12 November and 17 December 2020

Cheadle – 10 November and 15 December 2020

Heatons & Reddish – 9 November and 14 December 2020

Marple – 11 November and 16 December 2020

Stepping Hill – 10 November and 15 December 2020

Werneth – 9 November and 14 December 2020

This Council Meeting welcomes the Governments proposed ban on live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and consultation on how to better protect animal welfare during transport.

This Council Meeting recognises that the UK is a world leader on animal welfare and these proposals to prevent unnecessary suffering of animals during transport and ban live animal export for slaughter and fattening will see the UK become the first country in Europe to end this practice.

This Council Meeting there resolves to;

·           Request that Stockport Council responds to the Government’s consultation to animal welfare in transport in support of ending live export of animals for slaughter and fattening and improvement of welfare in transport prior to the 28 January 2021 closure date;

·           Publish this Council’s consultation response on the Council website; and

·           Promote the consultation and encourage public participation via the Council’s social media channels and website.

Moved by:                 Councillor Linda Holt

Seconded by:           Councillor Alanna Vine

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 welcomes the Governments proposed ban on live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and consultation on how to better protect animal welfare during transport.

This Council Meeting recognises that the UK is a world leader on animal welfare and these proposals to prevent unnecessary suffering of animals during transport and ban live animal export for slaughter and fattening will see the UK become the first country in Europe to end this practice.

This Council notes the RSPCA statement "Animals are not objects. Much like us, sentient animals are aware of their feelings and emotions. Their lives matter to them and they have the same capacity to feel joy and pleasure, as well as pain and suffering".

This Council further notes that with a Sentience Bill currently in draft form, some progress towards recognising animal sentience has been made.

This Council Meeting there resolves to;

·         Request that Stockport Council responds to the Government’s consultation to animal welfare in transport in support of ending live export of animals for slaughter and fattening and improvement of welfare in transport prior to the 28 January 2021 closure date;

·         Publish this Council’s consultation response on the Council website; and

·         Promote the consultation and encourage public participation via the Council’s social media channels and website.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes the Government’s proposed ban on live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and consultation on how to better protect animal welfare during transport and believes that the humane treatment of animals should be a priority for all in a modern society.

This Council Meeting recognises that the UK is a world leader on animal welfare and believes it is essential that our animal welfare standards are maintained or enhanced, including requiring that imported animal products are subject to at least as stringent standards as our domestic farmers are required to meet.

This Council notes the RSPCA statement "Animals are not objects. Much like us, sentient animals are aware of their feelings and emotions. Their lives matter to them and they have the same capacity to feel joy and pleasure, as well as pain and suffering".

This Council further notes that with a Sentience Bill currently in draft form, some progress towards recognising animal sentience has been made.

This Council Meeting also notes that the proposals do not apply at all to Scotland or Northern Ireland; to poultry, to animals being exported for fattening when slaughter would be more than 6 months later nor, oddly, to animals being imported into the UK, and they include provisions relating to cold weather transports which would disproportionately affect farmers in the north of England.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves:

·         to note this consultation;

·         through its communications channels, to advocate for all animals to be treated humanely;

·         to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling on him to work with the industry and groups such as the RSPCA to protect and improve animal welfare and support British farmers by ensuring that all imported animal products are subject to at least as stringent standards as our domestic farmers are required to meet.

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 – (32 for, 29 against) That the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 relating to the duration of (Council) meetings be duly invoked.

Upon the amendment being put to the vote:-

For the amendment 29, against 32.

AMENDMENT NOT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting welcomes the Governments proposed ban on live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and consultation on how to better protect animal welfare during transport.

This Council Meeting recognises that the UK is a world leader on animal welfare and these proposals to prevent unnecessary suffering of animals during transport and ban live animal export for slaughter and fattening will see the UK become the first country in Europe to end this practice.

This Council notes the RSPCA statement "Animals are not objects. Much like us, sentient animals are aware of their feelings and emotions. Their lives matter to them and they have the same capacity to feel joy and pleasure, as well as pain and suffering".

This Council further notes that with a Sentience Bill currently in draft form, some progress towards recognising animal sentience has been made.

This Council Meeting there resolves to;

·         Request that Stockport Council responds to the Government’s consultation to animal welfare in transport in support of ending live export of animals for slaughter and fattening and improvement of welfare in transport prior to the 28 January 2021 closure date;

·         Publish this Council’s consultation response on the Council website; and

·         Promote the consultation and encourage public participation via the Council’s social media channels and website.

This council meeting notes that:

·           Carers – paid and unpaid, young and old – do a remarkable and important job. They are an integral part of our Stockport community. They deserve our support, but are far too often forgotten and ignored;

·           Carers in Stockport and across the country face big challenges every single day; challenges that have been made even harder by the Covid-19 pandemic. Most are having to spend more time looking after loved ones during the pandemic; most haven’t been able to take a single break since it started; and most are simply exhausted;

·           Situations provoking care interventions can happen with little warning. Often those giving care have to reduce their working hours or give up work to juggle competing demands;

·           The pressures on young carers can negatively impact on their experiences and outcomes in education, having a lasting effect on their life chances; and

·           Many carers are unaware of their entitlement to financial support, a carers’ assessment or break, and the support services available.

This council meeting further notes that:

·           A significant number of full-time unpaid carers in Stockport rely on Carer’s Allowance, with over 5,500 residents entitled to carer’s allowance but almost 2,000 of those receiving no payment (at May 2020).

·           At just £67.25 a week, Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind.In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government increased the Universal Credit standard allowance and the Working Tax Credit basic element by £20 a week above the planned uprating in April 2020, but it has not increased Carer’s Allowance.

·           Many unpaid carers are facing extreme financial hardship. A recent survey by Carers UK found that more than a third of those on Carer’s Allowance are struggling to make ends meet. Many have been struggling for months, often relying on foodbanks to feed themselves and the people they care for.

·           The Carers UK survey found that “43% of carers felt that a rise in Carer’s Allowance would help them, given the financial pressures they are facing.”

·           The importance of schemes such as Carer’s Passports and Carer’s ID cards in recognising caring as a valued undertaking as well as offering access to discounts and support to holders.

This council meeting recognises the important work of many organisations who provide support to carers in Stockport, including Signpost Stockport for Carers, Mind and Age UK as well as the umbrella organisation, Carers UK.

This council meeting further recognises the importance of Stockport becoming a Carer Friendly Borough, and undertakes urgently to work toward this, for example using NHS guidance on building carer friendly communities.

This council meeting resolves that:

·           We must stand up for carers, do more to support them, and build a more caring society as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic;

·           Asks Cabinet to review how carers in Stockport are made aware of existing support that is available including improving the information available through the council’s own website and other resources; what further actions the council could take to support and promote the Carer’s passport and Carer’s ID card schemes and to expand the support and discounts available to holders; how Stockport could take steps towards formally becoming a Carer Friendly Community; and to report back to the CRMG and ASC&H Scrutiny Committees in the April scrutiny cycle;

·           The council should promote Young Carers Action Day on March 16th 2021 as widely as possible and on an annual basis, particularly to young carers and their families; and

·           Asks the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, making them aware of this motion and urging them to raise Carer’s Allowance by £20 a week immediately, in line with the increase in Universal Credit.

Moved by:                  Cllr Lisa Smart 

Seconded by:           Cllr Keith Hollowa

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 notes that:

·         Carers – whether in receipt of Carers Allowance or not, young and old – do a remarkable and important job. They are an integral part of our Stockport community. They deserve our support, but are far too often forgotten and unrecognised;

·         Carers in Stockport and across the country face big challenges every single day; challenges that have been made even harder by the Covid-19 pandemic. Most are having to spend more time looking after loved ones during the pandemic; most haven’t been able to take a single break since it started; and the majority are simply exhausted;

·         Situations provoking care interventions can happen with little warning. Often those giving care have to reduce their working hours or give up work to juggle competing demands;

·         The pressures on young carers can negatively impact on their experiences and outcomes in education, having a lasting effect on their life chances; and

·         Many carers are unaware of their entitlement to financial support, a carers’ assessment or break, and the support services available.

This council meeting further notes that:

·         A significant number of full-time working-age carers in Stockport rely on Carer’s Allowance, with over 5,500 residents entitled to carer’s allowance but almost 2,000 of those receiving no payment (at May 2020).

·         At just £67.25 a week, Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind.

·         In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government increased the Universal Credit standard allowance and the Working Tax Credit basic element by £20 a week above the planned uprating in April 2020, but it has not increased Carer’s Allowance.

·         Many unpaid carers are facing extreme financial hardship. A recent survey by Carers UK found that more than a third of those on Carer’s Allowance are struggling to make ends meet. Many have been struggling for months, often relying on foodbanks to feed themselves and the people they care for.

·         The Carers UK survey found that “43% of carers felt that a rise in Carer’s Allowance would help them, given the financial pressures they are facing.”

·         The importance of schemes such as Carer’s Passports and Stockport’s Connecting Carer card in recognising caring as a valued undertaking as well as offering access to discounts and support to holders.

This council meeting recognises the important work of many organisations who provide support to carers in Stockport, including Signpost Stockport for Carers, Mind and Age UK as well as the umbrella organisation, Carers UK.

This council meeting further recognises the importance of Stockport becoming a Carer Friendly Borough, and undertakes urgently to work toward this, for example using NHS guidance on building carer friendly communities.

This council meeting resolves that:

·         We must stand up for carers, do more to support them and recognise their contributions, and build a more caring society as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic;

·         Asks Cabinet to review how carers in Stockport are made aware of existing support that is available including improving the information available through the council’s own website and other resources; what further actions the council could take to support and promote the Carer’s passport and Connecting Carers card scheme and to expand the support and discounts available to holders; how Stockport could take steps towards formally becoming a Carer Friendly Community; and to report back to the CRMG and ASC&H Scrutiny Committees in the April scrutiny cycle;

·         The council should promote Young Carers Action Day on March 16th 2021 as widely as possible, particularly to young carers and their families, as well as Carers Week (8^th to 13^th June 2021) and Carers Rights Day  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.(ii)