Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and order that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 25 May 2021 be signed.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 25 May 2021 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 the highlight of the past few weeks had been the resumption of mayoral engagements which has allowed him to visit a number of wards across the borough for art exhibitions, the opening of new businesses and community events which included Heald Green, Heatons South, Brinnington & Central, Cheadle & Gatley, Cheadle Hulme North, Bredbury Green & Romiley and Marple North.

It was confirmed that the fundraising committee had begun its work for the Mayor’s Charity and the Mayor thanked all those members who had been involved in its work or contributed in any way to the charity fund.

The Mayor then referred to the fact that as the country was moving into the recovery phase of the pandemic, but that it was doing do with cautious optimism and that while cases remained high, it was important that everyone acted with cation.

Finally, the Mayor reported that the Civic Service would held on Sunday, 3 October 2021 at 2.00 pm at St Mary’s in the Marketplace and that a Civic Reception would be held on Sunday, 7 November in the ballroom at Stockport Town Hall.

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

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.

Nine public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to the cancellation of screen tests for Reception age children.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that she agreed that children living through the pandemic had been disproportionately affected and that the impact would be felt for years to come.  It was further stated that there is no national programme to do hearing screening for reception children and that many areas don't screen at all and instead offer a targeted programme. 

It was stated that since neonatal hearing screening was introduced for all babies at birth, the evidence base for reception screen was less strong, however Stockport had chosen to continue with a local screening programme. During lockdown, a targeted programme was offered to both schools and parents and any targeted screening was completed in the first half-term in September to October 2021.

Councillor Dawson further responded that he understood the importance of testing as a form of reassurance but also that it provided an opportunity to intervene early and identify issues as soon as possible. 

·         Relating to whether the Council still supported the reinstatement of rail services from Stockport to Manchester Victoria via Reddish South & Denton Stations and would prioritise the modernisation of Stockport Station.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Devolution (Councillor Elise Wilson) responded that together with Transport for Greater Manchester the Council had submitted a ‘restoring your railways bid’ for a study to reopen this route.  It was further stated the Stockport Station Prospectus had been developed with the Mayoral Development Corporation and Transport for Greater Manchester to seek funding to deliver both the vision and the capacity upgrades necessary, not only to unlock the potential of Stockport Station, but to also ensure local connectivity for future provision to Reddish South and other local stations.

Councillor Hunter responded that he was clear in both his and the Liberal Democrat Group’s support the Friends of Reddish South Station in their attempt to reintroduce a regular rail service though the station.

·         Relating to damage to property caused by the installation of road humps.

Councillor Thornley responded that the temporary restrictions in Marple town centre speed cushions had proven very unpopular and meetings had been held with staff from the highways department at the council. However, as the cushions supported the 20 mph restrictions in the area which did receive widespread report, further work was needed through a public consultation to assess the future of the scheme.

·         Relating to anti-social behaviour in Davenport.

Councillor Davies stated that he had been contacted by a number of residents in relation to this issue, and a multi-agency approach was being used to try and resolve this issue.

The Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods (Councillor Amanda Peers) further stated that there was a strong coordinated partnership approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and begging.  Since this issue was first raised a number of interventions had been made and progress was being made.

·         Relating to the proposal to seek White Ribbon accreditation and whether this would mean that all Stockport’s male councillors would commit themselves to never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women and to make this public by wearing a white ribbon on White Ribbon Day annually on 25 November.

The Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods (Councillor Amanda Peers) stated that she had engaged with the questioner by email on this matter and the issues raised would be covered in her report to the Council Meeting later in the meeting.

·         Relating to whether foster children of EU nationality have had their applications for settled status properly processed.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Family Services & Education (Councillor Colin Foster) responded that the need to register children  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(i)

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

Sector3

To consider a presentation from the Jo McGrath (Chief Executive of Sector3) the Mayor’s nominated charity, on the work of their organisation.

Petitions

One petition was submitted with 7,266 signatories in relation to the retention of library services at Stockport Central Library.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus & Engagement and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

A further petition was submitted in support of the ‘20’s plenty’ campaign to reduce speed limits to 20mph on residential roads.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

Presentation - Sector3

Jo McGrath (Chief Executive of Sector3) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to the work of Sewctor3

At the conclusion of the item, the Mayor expressed thanks Jo McGrath for her attendance and presentation.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel

To appoint Councillor Amanda Peers to answer questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

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

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

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

Greater Manchester Combined Authority            - Councillor Elise Wilson

Greater Manchester Transport Committee          - Councillor David Meller

Greater Manchester Waste Committee                - Councillor Roy Driver

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

(a)       Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel

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

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

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

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

Greater Manchester Combined Authority           - Councillor Elise Wilson

Transport for Greater Manchester Committee    - Councillor David Meller

Greater Manchester Waste Committee              - Councillor Roy Driver

There were no question on the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

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 an update on the functioning of the Council’s Treasury Management functions for 2020/21. 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 –That:-

·         approval be given to the actual 2020/21 prudential and treasury indicators in this report; and

·         the annual treasury management report for 2020/21 be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Cabinet Members for Resources, Commissioning & Governance; Adult Care & Health and Sustainable Stockport.

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 proposed Greater Manchester Final Clean Air Plan (CAP) and policy following a review of all of the information gathered through the GM CAP consultation and wider data, evidence and modelling work which is to be agreed by the ten Greater

Manchester local authorities.

RESOLVED – That the Cabinet be recommended to give approval to the following:-

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

(2) Note the progress in the distribution of Bus Retrofit funding;

(3) Note Ministers’ agreement to include the sections of the A628/A57 in Tameside which form part of the Strategic Road Network within the Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and their request for Tameside MBC, TfGM and Highways England to establish the most appropriate solution for the charging mechanism to be applied on this section of the Strategic Road Network (SRN);

(4) Approve the GM Clean Air Plan Policy, at Appendix 1 noting that the policy outlines the boundary, discounts, exemptions, daily charges of the Clean Air Zone as well as the financial support packages offered towards upgrading to a compliant vehicle, including the eligibility criteria to be applied.

(5) Agree the Equalities Impact Assessment, as set out at Appendix 2;

(6) Agree the AECOM Consultation Report, as set out at Appendix 3;

(7) Agree the proposed Response to the Consultation at Appendix 4 which has been prepared by TfGM on behalf of the ten GM local authorities;

(8) Agree the Impacts of COVID-19 Report, as set out at Appendix 5;

(9) Agree the Modelling report of the final CAP package, as set out at Appendix 6, and in particular that the modelling outputs of the final plan scheme show the achievement of compliance with the legal limits for Nitrogen Dioxide in the shortest possible time and by 2024 at the latest as required by the Ministerial Direction;

(10) Agree the economic implications of the CAP Report, as set out at Appendix 7;

(11) Note the update on the GM Minimum Licensing Standards, set out in section 3.1, and in particular that licensing conditions will not be used to support delivery of the GM Clean Air Plan;

(12) Approve a 6-week public consultation on the inclusion of motorhomes classified as MSP1 in the GM Clean Air Zone and on the inclusion of the A575 and A580 at Worsley commencing on 1 September 2021 and delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibility for Clean Air and Director of Public Health to approve the consultation materials;

(13) Note that the GM Clean Air Charging Authorities Committee has the authority to make the Charging Scheme Order which establishes the GM Charging Scheme in line with the agreed GM Clean Air Plan Policy;

(14) Note that the GM Charging Authorities Committee has the authority to vary the Charging Scheme Order if this is established as the most appropriate charging mechanism to be applied on sections of the A628/A57 part of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) in Tameside;

(15) Note that the Air Quality Administration Committee has the authority to agree the final form of the Operational Agreement for the Central Clean Air Service, and to authorise the making of the Agreement, on behalf of the ten GM local authorities;

(16) Note that the Air Quality Administration Committee has the authority to:

(a)       establish and distribute the funds set out in the agreed GM    Clean Air Plan policy;

(b)       approve the assessment mechanism agreed with JAQU to     ensure that Clean Air Funds can be adapted if necessary;

(c)       keep the use of the funds under review and to determine any            changes in the amounts allocated to each and their use and

(d)       Monitor and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(i)

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out, for Members’ consideration and endorsement, a proposed way ahead for the new Stockport Local Plan.

RESOLVED – (33 for, 24 abstentions) (1) That the refreshed approach to developing a Local Plan for Stockport, including the principles set out in Appendix A be endorsed.

(2) That the approach to engaging with communities across Stockport during the Summer to assist in developing a draft Plan be endorsed and supported.

(3) That the Development Plan Working Party continue to take the lead in progressing the workstreams required to produce a Draft Plan for submission in Autumn 2022.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the progress on the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan and the next stages in the process before it formally becomes part of the development plan for Stockport.

RESOLVED – That:

(1) Approval be given to the final version of the High Lane Village Neighbourhood Plan (HLVNP) and the Independent Examiner’s report;

(2) Officers be authorised to take the necessary steps to conduct a referendum in the Neighbourhood Area;

(3) Approval be given that, in the event that a majority of eligible votes are in favour, the HLVNP be adopted as part of the local development plan

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 soon the country would be moving into Step 4 of the government’s roadmap, and that after 16 months of life with covid, this was a great milestone to achieve and would be eagerly anticipated by many in Stockport.  However, it was commented that Stockport currently had a covid infection much higher than we would want, and caution was urged in the way in which residents responded to the removal of restrictions.  Councillor Wilson stated that the vaccine rollout continued at pace, and that 83% of adults had received their first jab, with 65% having received both.

Councillor Wilson then stated that work was continuing on the delivery of a new Metrolink-ready interchange that would not only deliver transport improvements, but would provide new homes on brownfield land, and one of the largest new parks provided in the borough for decades.

It was then reported that the Mayoral Development Corporation had recently recruited a number of new private sector board members and that it had been a pleasure to meet them in person at a recent MDC board meeting.  The board had then undertaken a tour of the MDC area showcasing both the work already underway, but also the scale of the ambition for the future.

The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport (Councillor Sheila Bailey) reported that there remained a number of green bin rounds that were being missed, despite the best efforts of TLC and the provision of extra funding from the Council.  Staff from other service areas was being used as much as possible but this was creating a backlog of work in other areas.  Self-isolating staff members were due to return to work over the coming week, however caution was urged in the light of the ongoing rates of infection in Stockport.  Councillor Bailey stated that she would invite the environmental leads from each political group to a meeting with the Council and TLC to discuss the situation and potential ways forward.

Councillor Bailey then stated that she was pleased to report that the new Viaduct Housing development off Mercian Way was due to be opened shortly which would provide 47 new affordable homes.

It was then stated that two of the skate parks in the borough in Torkington Park and at Gatley recreation ground would need to be removed because of their poor condition.  However, it was confirmed that funding packages of £44,000 and £67,000 had been agreed respectively to provide replacement facilities.

Finally, it was stated that it hoped that later in the year a Stockport CAN summit would be held to coincide with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.

The Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods (Councillor Amanda Peers) reported that this year would see the refresh of the Stockport Community Safety Strategy which would also coincide with a refresh of the GM Standing Together Strategy.  Councillor Peers stated that she would call on members from across the Chamber to join her in a cross party working group to ensure members' views and residents’ issues were reflected in the new strategy.

Councillor Peers then stated that the Council's had their interest in achieving accreditation with White Ribbon UK who were part of the global White Ribbon movement to end male violence against women.  It was stated that gaining white ribbon accreditation would help the Council to make a difference in communities, to end male violence against women, to improve organisational cultural safety and morale, and increase the knowledge and skills of staff to address male violence against women.  There would also be a cross party working group to maximise the support and participation of male Members across the Chamber.

Councillor Peers then referred to the ongoing work taking place at Greater Manchester Police to address the issues raised in the HMIC report.  Victim training was  ...  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 Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, Commissioning & Governance; and Cabinet Members for 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 9 February, 27 April and 29 June 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 9 February, 27 April and 29 June 2021 (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.

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 – 28 January and 15 April 2021

Children & Families – 27 January, 17 March and 14 April 2021

Communities & Housing – 25 January, 16 March and 14 April 2021

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 26 January and 13 April 2021

Economy & Regeneration – 28 January and 15 April 2021

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 8 February and 26 April 2021

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 – 28 January and 15 April 2021

Children & Families – 27 January, 17 March and 14 April 2021

Communities & Housing – 25 January, 16 March and 14 April 2021

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 26 January and 13 April 2021

Economy & Regeneration – 28 January and 15 April 2021

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 8 February and 26 April 2021

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 – 17 March 2021

Contributors – 28 January and 25 March 2021

Employment Appeals – 7 April, 13 April, 14 April, 21 April, 23 April and 26 April 2021.

Funding – 27 January, 28 April and 30 June 2021

Health & Wellbeing Board – 27 January and 14 April 2021

Health & Wellbeing Board (Better Care Fund) Sub – 26 January and 19 May 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 24 March 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 27 January 2021

Member – 15 February 2021

Planning & Highways Regulation – 14 January, 11 February, 25 March and 29 April 2021

Standards – 18 February 2021

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 4 February, 11 March, 22 April and 24 June 2021

Central Stockport – 4 February, 11 March, 22 April and 24 June 2021

Cheadle – 2 February, 9 March, 20 April and 22 June 2021

Heatons & Reddish – 1 February, 8 March, 19 April and 21 June 2021

Marple – 3 February, 10 March, 21 April and 23 June 2021

Stepping Hill – 2 February, 9 March, 20 April and 22 June 2021

Werneth – 1 February, 8 March, 19 April and 21 June 2021

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 – 17 March 2021

Contributors – 28 January and 25 March 2021

Employment Appeals – 7 April, 13 April, 14 April, 21 April, 23 April and 26 April 2021.

Funding – 27 January, 28 April and 30 June 2021

Health & Wellbeing Board – 27 January and 14 April 2021

Health & Wellbeing Board (Better Care Fund) Sub – 26 January and 19 May 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 24 March 2021

Licensing, Environment & Safety Sub – 27 January 2021

Member – 15 February 2021

Planning & Highways Regulation – 14 January, 11 February, 25 March and 29 April 2021

Standards – 18 February 2021

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 4 February, 11 March, 22 April and 24 June 2021

Central Stockport – 4 February, 11 March, 22 April and 24 June 2021

Cheadle – 2 February, 9 March, 20 April and 22 June 2021

Heatons & Reddish – 1 February, 8 March, 19 April and 21 June 2021

Marple – 3 February, 10 March, 21 April and 23 June 2021

Stepping Hill – 2 February, 9 March, 20 April and 22 June 2021

Werneth – 1 February, 8 March, 19 April and 21 June 2021

This Council Meeting notes that:

·           speed limits on Britain’s residential roads are 60% higher than in Europe;

·           more than half of all road accident casualties occur on roads with 30mph limits;

·           a pedestrian is 7 times more likely to die if they are hit by a vehicle travelling at 30 miles per hour than they are at 20 mph, rising to 10 times more likely if aged 60 or older;

·           reducing speed limits on residential roads has been found to reduce air pollution, the incidence of accidents, and the numbers of fatalities and serious injuries that result;

·           over 20 million citizens live in local authorities in the UK which have adopted or are adopting a default speed limit of 20mph on residential roads, including five authorities within Greater Manchester;

·           the default speed limit of 20mph has been adopted by other local authorities without the need for implementation of physical calming measures; and

·           road safety experts from 130 countries adopted the ‘Stockholm Declaration’ recommending 20mph / 30kph as the preferred default speed limit on residential roads in February 2020, and this was endorsed by the UN General Assembly  in August 2020.

This Council Meeting recognises that:

·           if we are to ‘build back better’ after Covid-19, one of our key concerns must be to address all aspects of public health;

·           this should include lowering the default speed of motor vehicles driven on our residential roads to reduce the danger to residents and associated pollution; and

·           such a measure should be borough-wide and comprehensive.

This Council Meeting further notes that such proposals are not new, with individual 20mph zone schemes being currently or recently under consultation by this administration, and the establishment of 20mph zones dating back to August 2003 when the then Liberal Democrat administration developed the Stockport Speed Management Strategy, following acceptance of the recommendations of an all-party Scrutiny Policy Development Review by the Regeneration, Housing and Development Services Scrutiny Committee.  This included the provision of mandatory 20mph zones in the vicinity of our primary schools and made Stockport one of the first local authorities in the country to introduce such measures.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·           establish an all-Group working party to seek to implement a borough-wide 20 mph speed limit on residential roads as soon as possible, including considering how to identify and manage areas where the lower speed limit may not be appropriate, exploring the trialling of average speed cameras and seeking the re-establishment of Community Speedwatch in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police; and

·           ask the Chief Executive to write to Mayor of Greater Manchester, asking him to encourage this approach in the GM boroughs that haven’t already implemented it and to lobby Highways England to reduce speeds on sections of the motorway network to further assist with air quality, as has been done in Birmingham.

Moved by:                  Councillor Mark Roberts

Seconded by:           Councillor Jilly Julian

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that:

·           speed limits on Britain’s residential roads are 60% higher than in Europe;

·           more than half of all road accident casualties occur on roads with 30mph limits;

·           a pedestrian is 7 times more likely to die if they are hit by a vehicle travelling at 30 miles per hour than they are at 20 mph, rising to 10 times more likely if aged 60 or older;

·           reducing speed limits on residential roads has been found to reduce air pollution, the incidence of accidents, and the numbers of fatalities and serious injuries that result;

·           over 20 million citizens live in local authorities in the UK which have adopted or are adopting a default speed limit of 20mph on residential roads, including five authorities within Greater Manchester;

·           the default speed limit of 20mph has been adopted by other local authorities without the need for implementation of physical calming measures; and

·           road safety experts from 130 countries adopted the ‘Stockholm Declaration’ recommending 20mph / 30kph as the preferred default speed limit on residential roads in February 2020, and this was endorsed by the UN General Assembly  in August 2020.

This Council Meeting recognises that:

·           if we are to ‘build back better’ after Covid-19, one of our key concerns must be to address all aspects of public health;

·           this should include lowering the default speed of motor vehicles driven on our residential roads to reduce the danger to residents and associated pollution; and

·           such a measure should be borough-wide and comprehensive.

This Council Meeting further notes that such proposals are not new, with individual 20mph zone schemes being currently or recently under consultation by this administration, and the establishment of 20mph zones dating back to August 2003 when the then Liberal Democrat administration developed the Stockport Speed Management Strategy, following acceptance of the recommendations of an all-party Scrutiny Policy Development Review by the Regeneration, Housing and Development Services Scrutiny Committee.  This included the provision of mandatory 20mph zones in the vicinity of our primary schools and made Stockport one of the first local authorities in the country to introduce such measures.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·           establish an all-Group working party to seek to implement a borough-wide 20 mph speed limit on residential roads as soon as possible, including considering how to identify and manage areas where the lower speed limit may not be appropriate, exploring the trialling of average speed cameras and seeking the re-establishment of Community Speedwatch in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police; and

·           ask the Chief Executive to write to Mayor of Greater Manchester, asking him to encourage this approach in the GM boroughs that haven’t already implemented it and to lobby Highways England to reduce speeds on sections of the motorway network to further assist with air quality, as has been done in Birmingham.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - In bullet point three of the first paragraph insert the words “some kinds of” between the words “reduce” and “air”.

In paragraph four, bullet point one, after the words  “speed cameras” insert a comma and the words “addressing how we can tackle speeding on main roads such as Offerton Road, Torkington Road, A6, Bean Leach, Bramhall Lane South, Bridge Lane, Ack Lane East, Ack Lane West, Lyndhurst Avenue and others”. At the end of the same bullet point delete the word “and”.

Delete the final bullet point of paragraph four and replace with;

·         “Investigate the costs and implications for each ward to be assigned a Speed Indicator Device rather than shared at an area committee level and to report back on this within 6 months; and

·         Explore and identify where school crossing patrols could be reintroduced outside schools to further address road safety issues around schools.”

For the amendment 33, abstentions 23.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED – This Council Meeting notes that:

·         speed limits on Britain’s residential roads are 60% higher  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.(i)

This Council Meeting notes that

·         ONS figures show that almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, that two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a current or former partner, that over half a million women are raped or sexually assaulted each year and that a YouGov poll shows that a third of girls have experienced sexual harassment in schools;

·         the global pandemic has led to more women and girls being vulnerable to domestic abuse and, according to a BBC news report last July, the initial three months of the first national lockdown saw an 80% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline;

·         that, according to crime-survey and other government data, victims disproportionately come from those groups which already experience inequality and additional challenges in our society, including those who are mixed-race, have disabilities, or are transgender; and

·         as we come to the end of the delayed EUFA Euro 2020 tournament, previous research by Lancaster University showed that reported domestic abuse incidents increase whenever any of the home nations play in a major tournament, and the effect is particularly large on the days when those teams lose.

This Council Meeting further notes that

·         White Ribbon UK is the leading charity with a mission to end male violence against women and part of the global White Ribbon movement which arose from a campaign started by men in Canada in 2004;

·         they mark White Ribbon Day annually on 25^th November, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women, by encouraging men and boys to pledge never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women and to make this by wearing a white ribbon on the day and a week or two afterwards; and

·         White Ribbon UK operate a system of male Ambassadors, female Champions and Youth Advocates, as well as having specific materials to support primary and secondary schools, all with the aim of encouraging men to take the pledge and help to eradicate male violence against women.

This Council Meeting believes male violence against women can never be condoned and Stockport Council should do everything in its power to ensure women are safe.  As part of this, the council should facilitate and encourage participation by councillors, staff and schools in the White Ribbon Campaign.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to

·         encourage all male Councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge, never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women;

·         undertake as soon as practicable the steps necessary to achieve White Ribbon accreditation, joining the large number of public sector bodies which have already done so; and

·         as part of this, appoint a male Councillor as an Ambassador; mark White Ribbon Day on 25^th November each year with a fundraising event; and encourage participation among council staff and local primary and secondary schools.

Moved by:                  Councillor Mark Hunter

Seconded by:           Councillor Louise Ankers

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that

·         ONS figures show that almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, that two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a current or former partner, that over half a million women are raped or sexually assaulted each year and that a YouGov poll shows that a third of girls have experienced sexual harassment in schools;

·         the global pandemic has led to more women and girls being vulnerable to domestic abuse and, according to a BBC news report last July, the initial three months of the first national lockdown saw an 80% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline;

·         that, according to crime-survey and other government data, victims disproportionately come from those groups which already experience inequality and additional challenges in our society, including those who are mixed-race, have disabilities, or are transgender; and

·         as we come to the end of the delayed EUFA Euro 2020 tournament, previous research by Lancaster University showed that reported domestic abuse incidents increase whenever any of the home nations play in a major tournament, and the effect is particularly large on the days when those teams lose.

This Council Meeting further notes that

·         White Ribbon UK is the leading charity with a mission to end male violence against women and part of the global White Ribbon movement which arose from a campaign started by men in Canada in 2004;

·         they mark White Ribbon Day annually on 25^th November, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women, by encouraging men and boys to pledge never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women and to make this by wearing a white ribbon on the day and a week or two afterwards; and

·         White Ribbon UK operate a system of male Ambassadors, female Champions and Youth Advocates, as well as having specific materials to support primary and secondary schools, all with the aim of encouraging men to take the pledge and help to eradicate male violence against women.

This Council Meeting believes male violence against women can never be condoned and Stockport Council should do everything in its power to ensure women are safe.  As part of this, the council should facilitate and encourage participation by councillors, staff and schools in the White Ribbon Campaign.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to

·         encourage all male Councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge, never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women;

·         undertake as soon as practicable the steps necessary to achieve White Ribbon accreditation, joining the large number of public sector bodies which have already done so; and

·         as part of this, appoint a male Councillor as an Ambassador; mark White Ribbon Day on 25^th November each year with a fundraising event; and encourage participation among council staff and local primary and secondary schools.

At this stage in the proceedings (10.00 pm) the Mayor informed the Council Meeting that the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9.1 (Duration of Meeting) would be invoked unless the Council Meeting wished the meeting to continue.

RESOLVED - That, notwithstanding the provisions of Council Meeting Procedure Rule 9, the meeting continue to deal with the remaining business on the Summons.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council Meeting notes that

·         The Marmot Review 10 years on report found that Austerity has taken its toll in all the domains set out in the Marmot Review, from rising child poverty and the closure of children’s centres, to declines in education funding, an increase in precarious work and zero hours contracts, to a housing affordability crisis and a rise in homelessness, to people with insufficient money to lead a healthy life and resorting to foodbanks in large numbers, to ignored communities with poor conditions and little reason for hope;

·         The Fawcett Society 2015  ‘Where’s the Benefit’ report found that many of the individual cuts, as well as their cumulative impact, are having a disproportionate impact on women: 85 per cent of the money saved from tax and benefit changes has come from women’s pockets, and that, evidence suggests that certain groups of women are becoming poorer, less financially autonomous, and in some instances increasingly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation as a result of these reforms;

·         Meanwhile a BBC news report last July found that the initial three months of the first national lockdown saw an 80% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline;

·         That, according to crime-survey and other government data, victims disproportionately come from those groups which already experience inequality and additional challenges in our society, including those who are mixed-race, have disabilities, or are transgender; and

·         ONS figures show that almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, that two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a current or former partner, that over half a million women are raped or sexually assaulted each year and that a YouGov poll shows that a third of girls have experienced sexual harassment in schools.

This Council Meeting further notes that

·         White Ribbon UK is the leading charity with a mission to end male violence against women and part of the global White Ribbon movement which arose from a campaign started by men in Canada in 2004;

·         Their aim is to work together with supporters, ambassadors, champions, organisations and policy makers, to raise awareness, educate and campaign to bring about change;

·         These partners are working with right across England and Wales engaging with many thousands of people to change the cultures that lead to violence against women and girls; and

·         Councils not only provide essential public services, but are anchor institutions that are ideally placed enable collaboration between local partners.

This Council recognises

·         The GM gender based abused strategy proposals that were released in March this year, which asks all public bodies in Greater Manchester to make improving women’s and girls’ safety a priority; and

·         That work is well underway for the Council to become White Ribbon accredited, including the associated action plan.

This Council Meeting believes male violence against women can never be condoned and Stockport Council should do everything in its power to ensure women are safe.  As part of this, the council should facilitate and encourage participation by councillors, staff and schools in the White Ribbon Campaign.

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to

·         Continue the White Ribbon accreditation process;

·         Encourage all Councillors, especially males,  to take the White Ribbon pledge, never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women;

·         Use the Councils influence to encourage other public sector partners who have not sought White Ribbon accreditation to do so;

·         Mark White Ribbon Day on 25th November each year with a fundraising event; and encourage participation among council staff and local primary and secondary schools; and

·         Establish an all party working group to ensure that the borough’s strong local representation is incorporated into the GM Gender Based Abuse Strategy.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

It was then

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting notes that

·         The Marmot Review 10 years on report found that Austerity has taken its toll in all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.(i)