Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14 July 2022.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting of the Council held on 14 July 2022 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.

With deep regret, the Mayor reported that on 8 September 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second passed away.  The Mayor stated that Her Majesty served the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth with grace and dignity for the 70 years of her reign and it was right that the Council took the opportunity of this first Council Meeting since her passing to mark her contribution to the life of the country and her subjects.

The Mayor further reported that Councillor Sheila Bailey passed away on 3 August 2022.  It was stated that Councillor Bailey was first elected to the Council in 1990 representing the then Edgeley ward, and subsequently the Edgeley & Cheadle Heath ward.  Councillor Bailey served as the Chair of Heath Bank Area Committee from 1992 to 1994 and Chair of the Adult Care Services and Housing Scrutiny Committee from 2012 to 2016 before being appointed to the Cabinet between 2016 and May of this year.

The Mayor and the Group Leaders then paid tribute to the memory of Councillor Bailey.

The Mayor then invited all those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect.

The Mayor then reported on his activities since the last Council Meeting and reported that he had attended over 95 engagements in that time.  The Mayor extended his thanks to the Deputy Mayor for her support over this period.  In particular, the Mayor highlighted the events that had taken place during the ten days of national mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the proclamation of the accession of His Majesty King Charles III.  The Mayor extended his thanks to all those who had been involved.

Finally, it was reported that former Councillor David Robinson who served on the Council during the 1980s and 1990s representing the Hazel Grove ward had also recently passed away. 

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

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

No declarations were made.

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 how the ward councillors for Edgeley & Cheadle Health intended to prioritise the interests of residents of the ward and restore confidence.

Councillor Matt Wynne responded that in the light of recent press reporting, residents had a right to be concerned.  Councillor Wynne stated that he had been stopped from standing again as a Labour candidate, however he retained Labour values as an elected member.  Councillor Wynne expressed concern in relation to ongoing issues within the Labour Party in Stockport and the impact that this might have on a number of members within the Group.  Councillor Wynne started that he was proud of achievements of the last Labour administration, with specific reference to the creation of a company to drive the development of new Council houses and the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation, however in the light of situation he now found himself in he considered it necessary to resign from the Labour Group with immediate effect.

Councillor Louise Heywood further responded that she was proud to be a councillor for Edgeley & Cheadle Heath and that she had spent the time since her election talking to residents and looked forward to meeting with the questioner in the future.

·         Relating to recent press reports regarding derogatory comments being made about a resident as part of a WhatsApp group which included the MP for Stockport and Labour councillors amongst its members.

Councillor Andy Sorton responded that the resident concerned lived within the Brinnington & Central ward that he represented.  He stated that regardless of the consequences for himself, personally or as a councillor, he would not stand by and tolerate discriminatory abuse.  Councillor Sorton stated that he was proud of the transition to a more open and tolerate society that had taken place over a number of decades, and it was not acceptable that the type of abuse reported on in the press was being made today.  Councillor Sorton then requested that any members of the Labour Group that spoke at the meeting should state that they stood with the victim of this abuse and that they called on the MP for Stockport to make a statement condemning this behaviour.

·         Relating to the Climate and Ecology Bill and whether this council would express its support for it becoming law.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that the Council was closely following ongoing developments with the Bill and that Liberal Democrat MPs had already indicated their support for its passage into law.  The Council was considering its position with a view to hopefully putting its name to supporting the Bill as well.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment further responded that a number of members of the Council had already given their personal support to the Bill and that he was working together with officers since the Summer so that the Council was also able to endorse this position.

·         Relating to whether the Council would conduct a further public consultation on the change of use of the Central Library building to a hybrid facility including adult education provision, including an option to oppose the changes so retaining the current library service in full within the Central Library building.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that he was pleased that the Central Library building would remain open for library use and library services would be retained for the public.  Councillor Hunter stated that the previous consultation exercise undertaken was thorough, and that he was keen to pursue the exciting plans for the future of the library that included access to all library services from the building rather than undertake a further round of consultation.

A further public question was submitted where the questioner was not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.(i)

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

There were no petitions or presentations.

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Councillor Tom Morrison to answer questions, if any, on the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire 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:-

(a)       Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Councillor Mark Hunter responded to questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel on behalf of Councillor Tom Morrison.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester Committee or the Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Annual Report on the functioning of the Council’s Treasury Management functions for 2021/22.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators in the report.

(2) That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposal for the enlargement of the membership of the Appointments Committee following a request from members of the committee that the Council Meeting exercises its discretion to appoint the Leader of the Independent Ratepayers Group and the Leader of the Green Party to the committee for the remainder of this municipal year.

RESOLVED - (1) That approval be given to an increase the membership of the Appointments Committee to nine for the remainder of the municipal year

(2) That approval be given to the adoption of alternative arrangements in respect of the appointment of members to the Appointments Committee (not being strictly in accordance with proportionality under section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) and to exclude the committee from the calculation for the period until the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

(3) That Councillor Anna Charles-Jones and Councillor Gary Lawson be appointed to the vacancies.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources.

(NOTE: The proposed amendments were originally submitted to the Council Meeting on 14 July 2022 but in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 24.2 stood adjourned to the next ordinary meeting after being moved and seconded).

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing an amendment proposed to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules (PR1 in the

Constitution), namely the removal of the reference to Informal Council.

The proposed amendment was submitted to the Council Meeting on 14 July 2022 but in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 24.2 stood adjourned to the next ordinary meeting after being moved and seconded.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the amendment to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules as detailed in Section 2 of the report.

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; the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education; and the Cabinet Members for Climate Change & Environment; and Economy & Regeneration made a report on the conduct of Cabinet business since the last Council Meeting.

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; the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education; and the Cabinet Members for Communities & Housing; Economy & Regeneration; Finance & Resources; and Highways, Parks & Leisure Services 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 September 2022 (to follow) 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 September 2022 (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 – 8 September 2022

Children & Families – 7 September 2022

Communities & Housing – 5 September 2022

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 6 September 2022

Economy & Regeneration – 8 September 2022

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 26 September 2022

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 – 8 September 2022

Children & Families – 7 September 2022

Communities & Housing – 5 September 2022

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 6 September 2022

Economy & Regeneration – 8 September 2022

Scrutiny Co-ordination – 26 September 2022

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

The former chair of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee (Councillor Mark Roberts) submitted the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2021/22 (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the work of the Scrutiny Committees during the Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

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

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

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

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

Ordinary Committees

Appeals Panel – 30 August 2022

Audit – 20 July and 21 September 2022

Contributors – 21 July 2022

Health & Wellbeing Board – 7 September 2022

Health & Wellbeing Board (Better Care Fund) Sub – 23 September 2022

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 6 July and 17 August 2022

Planning & Highways Regulation – 7 July and 17 August 2022

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 4 August 2022

Central Stockport – 4 August 2022

Cheadle – 2 August and 26 September 2022

Heatons & Reddish – 1 August 2022

Marple – 3 August 2022

Stepping Hill – 2 August 2022

Werneth – 1 August 2022

Ward Committees and Area Sub-Committees

Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub-Committee – 1 September 2022

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

Appeals Panel – 30 August 2022

Audit – 20 July and 21 September 2022

Contributors – 21 July 2022

Health & Wellbeing Board – 7 September 2022

Health & Wellbeing Board (Better Care Fund) Sub – 23 September 2022

Licensing, Environment & Safety – 6 July and 17 August 2022

Planning & Highways Regulation – 7 July and 17 August 2022

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 4 August 2022

Central Stockport – 4 August 2022

Cheadle – 2 August and 26 September 2022

Heatons & Reddish – 1 August 2022

Marple – 3 August 2022

Stepping Hill – 2 August 2022

Werneth – 1 August 2022

Ward Committees and Area Sub-Committees

Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Sub-Committee – 1 September 2022

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

The former Chair of the Audit Committee (Councillor Stuart Corris) submitted the Audit Committee Annual Report for 2021/22 (copies of which had been circulated) summarising the work of the Audit Committee during the 2021/22 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This council meeting notes with concern recent reports that all 980 staffed ticket offices in England could be closed, following discussions between the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group and changes to the Government’s guidance relating to ticket office opening hours.

This council meeting believes that our fifteen ticket offices provide a vital service to residents across Stockport borough. Having a clearly sign-posted place in these stations for people with ticket enquiries provides certainty and confidence for customers who may struggle to otherwise locate station staff. 

This council meeting further notes not all residents are able to use station ticket machines, or have the means to book a ticket in advance. Complicated journeys involving connections are likely to require human assistance to ensure customers purchase the most appropriate and cheapest tickets, and do not incur penalties from mis-booked tickets.

This council meeting is concerned the closure of ticket offices will disproportionately affect elderly and disabled residents across the borough – as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills.

This council meeting also notes the possible implications for current station staff and the concerns that have been raised over possible staff redundancies.

This council meeting therefore resolves to:

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Government Railways Minister, expressing Council’s opposition to the possible closure of staffed rail ticket offices – and in particular the offices at Bramhall, Bredbury, Brinnington, Cheadle Hulme, Davenport, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Heald Green, Heaton Chapel, Marple, Reddish North, Romiley, Rose Hill Marple, Woodsmoor and Stockport itself.

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to Northern and Avanti West Coast expressing the Council’s opposition to any plans to close the staffed ticket offices listed above.

·         Refer this issue to the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee with the recommendation that representatives from Northern and Avanti West Coast are invited to attend a Scrutiny Meeting at the earliest possible point to discuss future plans for staffing at our local stations.

Moved by:                  Councillor Angie Clark

Seconded by:           Councillor Ian Powney

RESOLVED - This council meeting notes with concern recent reports that all 980 staffed ticket offices in England could be closed, following discussions between the Department for Transport and the Rail Delivery Group and changes to the Government’s guidance relating to ticket office opening hours.

This council meeting believes that our fifteen ticket offices provide a vital service to residents across Stockport borough. Having a clearly sign-posted place in these stations for people with ticket enquiries provides certainty and confidence for customers who may struggle to otherwise locate station staff.

This council meeting further notes not all residents are able to use station ticket machines, or have the means to book a ticket in advance. Complicated journeys involving connections are likely to require human assistance to ensure customers purchase the most appropriate and cheapest tickets, and do not incur penalties from mis-booked tickets.

This council meeting is concerned the closure of ticket offices will disproportionately affect elderly and disabled residents across the borough – as well as those with poor literacy and IT skills.

This council meeting also notes the possible implications for current station staff and the concerns that have been raised over possible staff redundancies.

This council meeting therefore resolves to:

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Government Railways Minister, expressing Council’s opposition to the possible closure of staffed rail ticket offices – and in particular the offices at Bramhall, Bredbury, Brinnington, Cheadle Hulme, Davenport, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Heald Green, Heaton Chapel, Marple, Reddish North, Romiley, Rose Hill Marple, Woodsmoor and Stockport itself.

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to Northern and Avanti West Coast expressing the Council’s opposition to any plans to close the staffed ticket offices listed above.

·         Refer this issue to the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee with the recommendation that representatives from Northern and Avanti West Coast are invited to attend a Scrutiny Meeting at the earliest possible point to discuss future plans for staffing at our local stations.

This council meeting notes:

·         The urgent need for affordable and sustainable housing, adopting a Brownfield First approach, to provide the range of housing Stockport residents need;

·         The requirement for employment sites to be identified to support Stockport’s economic growth, underpinned by the Economic Plan and the Climate Action Now strategy;

·         The outstanding work council planning officers have done over the last two years in producing a draft Local Plan, which provides the foundation for delivering the council’s Economic Plan, Housing Plan, Transport Plan and Climate Action Now strategy; 

·         The requirement for a Local Plan to be in place by the December 2023 deadline stipulated nationally; and

·         Stockport residents to have their say on how our borough is shaped and developed over the next 15 years.

This council meeting believes that:

·         It is time for residents to be consulted on the draft Local Plan, which is ready for consultation as outlined in an article on the Place North West website on 25 August 2022 https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/stockport-progresses-plan-to-deliver-18600-homes/;

·         That any planning rule changes announced by the new government that cannot be incorporated into the draft Local Plan in time can be incorporated into the final draft plan, which will also go out for public consultation; and

·         Consulting on the draft Local Plan will send a positive message to the government that we are serious about our borough’s future, keen to capitalise on the work that has and is already taking place, and working towards achieving the December 2023 deadline.   

Therefore, this council meeting calls for:

·         The eight-week consultation on the draft Local Plan to begin no later than 28th January 2023, thereby providing time for any planning rule changes announced by the government before that date to be included in the draft Local Plan; and

·         For regular updates to be provided to this council on progress towards meeting the 28th January 2023 deadline.

Moved by:                  Councillor David Meller

Seconded by:           Councillor Amanda Peers

MOVED AND SECONDED - This council meeting notes:

·         The urgent need for affordable and sustainable housing, adopting a Brownfield First approach, to provide the range of housing Stockport residents need;

·         The requirement for employment sites to be identified to support Stockport’s economic growth, underpinned by the Economic Plan and the Climate Action Now strategy;

·         The outstanding work council planning officers have done over the last two years in producing a draft Local Plan, which provides the foundation for delivering the council’s Economic Plan, Housing Plan, Transport Plan and Climate Action Now strategy;

·         The requirement for a Local Plan to be in place by the December 2023 deadline stipulated nationally; and

·         Stockport residents to have their say on how our borough is shaped and developed over the next 15 years.

This council meeting believes that:

·         It is time for residents to be consulted on the draft Local Plan, which is ready for consultation as outlined in an article on the Place North West website on 25 August 2022 https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/stockport-progresses-plan-to-deliver-18600-homes/;

·         That any planning rule changes announced by the new government that cannot be incorporated into the draft Local Plan in time can be incorporated into the final draft plan, which will also go out for public consultation; and

·         Consulting on the draft Local Plan will send a positive message to the government that we are serious about our borough’s future, keen to capitalise on the work that has and is already taking place, and working towards achieving the December 2023 deadline.  

Therefore, this council meeting calls for:

·         The eight-week consultation on the draft Local Plan to begin no later than 28th January 2023, thereby providing time for any planning rule changes announced by the government before that date to be included in the draft Local Plan; and

·         For regular updates to be provided to this council on progress towards meeting the 28th January 2023 deadline.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This council meeting notes:

·         The urgent need for affordable and sustainable housing, adopting a Brownfield First approach, to provide the range of housing Stockport residents need;

·         The requirement for employment sites to be identified to support Stockport’s economic growth, underpinned by the Economic Plan and the Climate Action Now strategy;

·         The outstanding work council planning officers have done over the last two years in producing a draft Local Plan, which provides the foundation for delivering the council’s Economic Plan, Housing Plan, Transport Plan and Climate Action Now strategy; 

·         The requirement for a Local Plan to be in place by the December 2023 deadline stipulated nationally;

·         Stockport residents to have their say on how our borough is shaped and developed over the next 15 years; and

·         Continued uncertainty over the centrally-set Local Housing Need figure meant the Cabinet decided not to launch the consultation as any need to repeat this could cost around £200k and it would put parts of our Green Belt at unnecessary risk when we could deliver at least 75% of our Local Housing Need without any Green Belt development.

This council meeting believes that:

·         It is time for residents to be consulted on the draft Local Plan, which is ready for consultation as outlined in an article on the Place North West website on 25 August 2022 https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/stockport-progresses-plan-to-deliver-18600-homes/;

·         That any planning rule changes announced by the new government that cannot be incorporated into the draft Local Plan in time can be incorporated into the final draft plan, which will also go out for public consultation; and

·         Consulting on the draft Local Plan will send a positive message to the government that we are serious about our borough’s future, keen to capitalise on the work that has and is already taking place, and working towards achieving the December 2023 deadline.   

Therefore, this council meeting calls for:

·         The eight-week consultation on the draft Local Plan to begin no later than 28th January 2023, thereby providing time for any planning rule changes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.(ii)