Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 12 January and 23 February 2023.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meetings of the Council held on 12 January and 23 February 2023 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 referred to the recent death’of former councillor and mayor of the borough, Mr. John MacCarron.  The Mayor reported that a funeral service would be held on 9 April 2023 at 10.00 am at St Winifred’s Roman Catholic Church, Heaton Mersey.

The Mayor invited all those present to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of Mr MacCarron.

The Mayor then announced that this would be the last meeting of the Council to be attended by a number of members of the council as a result of their forthcoming retirement from the Council after the local elections on 4 May 2023.

The Group Leaders then paid tribute to the retiring councillors.

The Mayor then paid tribute to the staff at Stepping Hill Hospital following his recent recuperation from a period of ill health at the hospital.  The Mayor also thanked those members of the council and officers who had sent him good wishes during that time.  The Mayor further thanked the Deputy Mayor who had stepped in to cover a number of civic engagements and duties.

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.

Five public questions were submitted as follows:-

·         Relating to whether it was proposed to introduce 15 Minute Neighbourhoods, Active Neighbourhoods, Planters, Roadblocks, NPR surveillance cameras or other such measures in the borough, and whether any reintroduction of a Clean Air Zone in Stockport would be ruled out, and any extant infrastructure removed.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that the Council, along with the other districts of Greater Manchester, had pushed back on the government’s view that there needed to be a central changing zone and that progress could made on the issue of clean air without the need for charging at all.  It was confirmed that there were no plans to resurrect the clean air zone in Stockport and it was further stated that the Leader had asked the Mayor of Greater Manchester when the infrastructure associated with the clean air zone would be removed.

Councillor Dena Ryness further response that she did not believe that a clean air zone of any type should necessarily be ruled out as the levels of air pollution in some parts of Greater Manchester was severe and contributed to many health problems. 

·         Relating to the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation and how it was achieving its goal of reinvigorating the town centre.

Councillor Elise Wilson responded that the Mayoral Development Corporation enjoyed the full support of all parties represented on the council and that she was proud of the progress that it had made.  Councillor Wilson highlighted the ongoing work at Stockport Interchange and the delivery of 100% affordable homes at the St Thomas’ site.  Councillor Wilson stated that the corporation was national recognised and was delivering new green space, protecting existing greenspace and was taking a brownfield first approach.  Finally, Councillor Wilson commented that she was confident that there would be continued improvement because of the cross-party support for the work of the corporation.

·         Relating to whether the Council would commit to holding an open meeting to discuss its commitment to the UK100 pledge to achieve the government’s plan to hit net zero five years ahead of schedule.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) responded that he did not intend to spend public money on creating a platform that would deny climate change.  It was further stated that the science on this matter was beyond reasonable doubt and that urgent work was needed locally, nationally and internationally to tackle the issue.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment (Councillor Mark Roberts) further responded that public council meetings were the correct forum for residents to raise concerns with members.  Councillor Roberts stated that he disagreed with the questioner’s position on the matter of climate change and that the council was united in its view of the climate change emergency and the need to act. 

·         Relating to what was meant by the statement “enforcing against poor quality housing, buildings and the environment” contained within the borough plan.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Mark Hunter) undertook to respond to the questioner in writing.

·         Relating to whether there would be a commitment to fully funding the necessary works to ensure Reddish Library and Community Centre could to provide services to residents.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services (Councillor Grace Baynham) responded that the provision of services in Reddish was important to the council, and that it was aware that there were issues with the roof at Reddish Library and Community Centre.  It was further stated that a bid had bene put in for the first round of levelling up funding that had been well received and which had got good feedback from the panel.  It was confirmed that it was the council’s ambition to improve th4e situation at the library and that Councillor Baynham  ...  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.

Stockport Homes

To consider a presentation from Stockport Homes following the approval of a motion at its meeting on 12 January 2023 in relation to ‘Learning from Awaab Ishak - Tackling Mould and Damp in Stockport's Rented Properties’.

Petitions

Two petitions were submitted as follows:-

·         Signed by 1,607 signatories requesting a public consultation on the change of use of the Stockport Central Library building.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services.

·         Signed by 350 signatories in relation to the making of improvements to the Fiveways junction in Hazel Grove.

RESOLVED – That the petition be referred to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks & Leisure Services.

Presentations – Stockport Homes

John Bowker (Executive Director of Operations, Stockport Homes) attended the meeting and made a presentation and responded to questions in relation to the work of Stockport Homes in tackling incidents of damp and mould in their properties.

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

(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

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

(b)       Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Councillor Grace Baynham responded to questions in relation to the business of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.

There were no questions in relation to the business of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority 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) 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 2023/24 and the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information be confirmed and published in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

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 proposed arrangements for the boundaries of area committees for the 2023/24 municipal year following the introduction of new warding patterns in the borough as a result of a review of the council’s current electoral arrangements by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the adoption of the arrangements for area committees, as identified in Section 3.5 of the report and illustrated in the plan attached at Appendix 2, subject to an item being included within the Constitution Working’s Party’s work programme for 2023/24 to give further consideration to this matter, including scope for a possible radical realignment of area committee boundaries.

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

(NOTE: This item is required to stand adjourned without debate until the next ordinary meeting of the Council Meeting on 13 July 2023).

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources (Councillor Malcolm Allan) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting that the Council Meeting give consideration to the making of an amendment to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules in relation to the timescale for the submission of amendments to motions on notice.

RESOLVED – That the proposed amendments to the Council Meeting Procedure Rules stand adjourned until the 13 July 2023 meeting of the Council in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 24.2.

To give approval to the appointment of Mr Philip Mills as a co-opted member of the Audit Committee with effect from 1 April 2023.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the appointment of Mr Philip Mills as a co-opted member of the Audit Committee with effect from 1 April 2023.

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 appointment of Returning Officer for local government elections and Electoral Registration Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officers.

RESOLVED - (1) That the appointment of Caroline Simpson as Returning Officer by virtue of section 35 (returning officers: local elections) of the 1983 Act, as modified by Schedule 2 and be appointed Electoral Registration Officer by virtue of Section 8 of The Representation of the People Act 1983 be confirmed.

(2) That the appointment of Vicki Bates as Deputy Electoral Registration Officer by virtue of Section 52(2) of The Representation of the People Act 1983 be confirmed.

(3) That approval be given to the appointment of Michael Cullen as a further Deputy Electoral Registration Officer by virtue of Section 52(2) of The Representation of the People Act 1983.

To move that:-

(1) Councillor Graham Greenhalgh 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 2023/2024.

(2) Councillor Kerry Waters be invited to allow her 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 2023/24.

RESOLVED – (1) That Councillor Graham Greenhalgh 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 2023/2024.

(2) That Councillor Kerry Waters be invited to allow her 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 2023/24.

To move that the date of the Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 5 October 2023 be amended such that it be held on Wednesday, 4 October 2023.

RESOLVED – That the date of the Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 5 October 2023 be amended such that it be held on Wednesday, 4 October 2023.

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; Communities & Housing; Economy & Regeneration; and Highways, Parks & Leisure Services 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; and the Cabinet Members for Economy & Regeneration; Finance & Resources; Health & Adult Social Care; 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 31 January (pages) and 14 March 2023 (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 31 January and 14 March 2023 (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.

The Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee made a report on the conduct of the business of the scrutiny committee 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 – 19 January and 2 March 2023

Children & Families – 18 January and 1 March 2023

Communities & Housing – 16 January and 27 February 2023

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 17 January and 28 February 2023

Economy & Regeneration – 19 January and 2 March 2023

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 – 19 January and 2 March 2023

Children & Families – 18 January and 1 March 2023

Communities & Housing – 16 January and 27 February 2023

Corporate, Resource Management & Governance – 17 January and 28 February 2023

Economy & Regeneration – 19 January and 2 March 2023

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:-

Appointments – 27 February 2023

Audit – 15 March 2023

Employment Appeals – 11 January 2023

Health & Wellbeing Board – 1 March 2023

Health & Wellbeing Board (Better Care Fund) Sub – 14 February 2023

Licensing Sub – 11 January, 20 January , 14 February and 22 February 2023

Member – 13 February 2023

Planning & Highways Regulation – 15 December 2022 and 9 February 2023

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 26 January and 9 March 2023

Central Stockport – 26 January and 9 March 2023

Cheadle – 24 January and 7 March 2023

Heatons & Reddish – 23 January and 8 March 2023

Marple – 25 January and 8 March 2023

Stepping Hill – 24 January and 7 March 2023

Werneth – 23 January and 6 March 2023

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

Appointments – 27 February 2023

Audit – 15 March 2023

Employment Appeals – 11 January 2023

Health & Wellbeing Board – 1 March 2023

Health & Wellbeing Board (Better Care Fund) Sub – 14 February 2023

Licensing Sub – 11 January, 20 January , 14 February and 22 February 2023

Member – 13 February 2023

Planning & Highways Regulation – 15 December 2022 and 9 February 2023

Area Committees

Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme South – 26 January and 9 March 2023

Central Stockport – 26 January and 9 March 2023

Cheadle – 24 January and 7 March 2023

Heatons & Reddish – 23 January and 8 March 2023

Marple – 25 January and 8 March 2023

Stepping Hill – 24 January and 7 March 2023

Werneth – 23 January and 6 March 2023

Council notes:

·         At the local election being held in Stockport on the 4^th May 2023, the Conservative Government have said that voters will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations. The new rules apply to all local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions and from October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

·         Our democracy is stronger when more people take part in it. The voters should choose their leaders, not the other way around. There should be no gerrymandering or restriction of access to the vote for electoral gain.

·         At the 2021 Local Elections here was only one caution issued by the police for election fraud in the whole of the country, despite this the Conservative Government has estimated it will spend up to £180m over the next decade to introduce ID at polling stations.

·         The Electoral Reform Society says elections are generally very well run in the UK with extremely low levels of electoral fraud. In 2019, out of over 58 million votes cast there were only 33 allegations of personation at a polling station.

·         The Electoral Reform Society opposes the government’s policy for voter ID, saying it is an expensive distraction and we should instead be tackling “the huge challenges that undermine our democracy, not putting up paywalls around polling stations”.

·         Research shows disadvantaged groups are less likely to have ID. The richer you are, the more likely you are to have ID.

·         That the requirement to provide Photo ID will present a significant barrier for thousands of residents in Stockport to exercise their right to vote – and these barriers will disproportionally effect ethnic minority, low income, disabled, LGBT+, elderly and young voters.

·         The tremendous work that the Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) and  Stockport Council Officers have done to create awareness and deliver this rushed through scheme

Council resolves to:

·         To utilise all existing channels and means of communication to supplement the publicity campaign by the Electoral Commission to make more voters aware of the need to show photo ID at polling stations in the May 2023 local elections and beyond.

·         Bring a report to the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee, on the cost and impact this unnecessary legislation has had on Stockport.

Moved by:                  Councillor Georgia Lynott

Seconded by:            Councillor Malcolm Allan

RESOLVED – (52 for, 4 abstentions) Council notes:

·         At the local election being held in Stockport on the 4^th May 2023, the Conservative Government have said that voters will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations. The new rules apply to all local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions and from October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

·         Our democracy is stronger when more people take part in it. The voters should choose their leaders, not the other way around. There should be no gerrymandering or restriction of access to the vote for electoral gain.

·         At the 2021 Local Elections here was only one caution issued by the police for election fraud in the whole of the country, despite this the Conservative Government has estimated it will spend up to £180m over the next decade to introduce ID at polling stations.

·         The Electoral Reform Society says elections are generally very well run in the UK with extremely low levels of electoral fraud. In 2019, out of over 58 million votes cast there were only 33 allegations of personation at a polling station.

·         The Electoral Reform Society opposes the government’s policy for voter ID, saying it is an expensive distraction and we should instead be tackling “the huge challenges that undermine our democracy, not putting up paywalls around polling stations”.

·         Research shows disadvantaged groups are less likely to have ID. The richer you are, the more likely you are to have ID.

·         That the requirement to provide Photo ID will present a significant barrier for thousands of residents in Stockport to exercise their right to vote – and these barriers will disproportionally effect ethnic minority, low income, disabled, LGBT+, elderly and young voters.

·         The tremendous work that the Association of Electoral Administrators (AEA) and  Stockport Council Officers have done to create awareness and deliver this rushed through scheme

Council resolves to:

·         To utilise all existing channels and means of communication to supplement the publicity campaign by the Electoral Commission to make more voters aware of the need to show photo ID at polling stations in the May 2023 local elections and beyond.

·         Bring a report to the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee, on the cost and impact this unnecessary legislation has had on Stockport.

This Council notes:

·         The countless miles of alleyway corridors that adjoin homes that make up Stockport’s inner town areas running behind rows of terraced houses, physically and socially connecting neighbours for over a century.

·         The Borough’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in March 2019.

·         A resolution agreed by Council in Jan 2023 around ‘Developing the Stockport approach to improving local biodiversity’ without any reference to urban areas.

·         Due to reductions in the Borough’s revenue budgets year on year since the start of the last decade, a reduction in the frequency of maintenance and cleansing of adopted alleyways as part of the Highways Department’s inspection programme.

·         Due to the recent public health emergency, the collapse of the agreement between SMBC and the Probation Service of the Community Payback work programme that enabled Council Officers to direct Community Payback work crews to gut alleyways.

·         Efforts by residents to clean and green their alleyways made difficult by the culture and leadership of the Council’s Highways Department.

·         Social isolation affects both individuals and the wider community. Health issues arising from isolation and loneliness lead to an increased use of health and social care services as well as a higher number of emergency admissions and GP consultations adding significant pressures to available public health resources.

·         The success of an intergenerational alleyway greening project in Edgeley in 2022. This was made possible from £6,000 grant from Groundwork GM  which has brought a natural ‘wildlife corridor’ into an urban space, provided a safe space for children to play, allowed a communal space for neighbours to meet and relax, markedly reduced fly-tipping and allowed intergenerational learning of new DIY, gardening and growing skills and improved mental health and wellbeing. 

This council recognises that/the:

·         The Council must be more ambitious and change the way it perceives its alleyways not as a problem to be dealt with through maintenance and inspection.

·         Potential for Stockport’s alleyways to become an urban green lung by creating spaces that can and have been enjoyed by people and contribute to mental wellbeing.

·         Many of Stockport’s residents in inner town areas do not have the benefit of accessing nature through visiting the Greenbelt.

This Council resolves that:

·         The Council produces a public facing guide that residents can utilise if they wish to pursue an alleyway cleaning and greening project, easily accessible from the Council website.

·         It does everything in its power through partnership working to ensure the Probation Service remains based in Stockport to ensure the Community Payback programme can return as a full-time programme to carry out tasks such as deep cleaning alleyways.

·         It recognises that alleyways play an important role in dealing with climate change and improving wellbeing in high density areas.

·         It will seek to source funding opportunities at national, GM and local level to support a programme of urban greening.

·         The Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee be recommended to establish a scrutiny review panel to explore how the Council can explore unlocking Stockport’s communal corridors ensuring all Members are able to contribute.

Moved by:                  Councillor Matt Wynne

Seconded by:            Councillor Andy Sorton

MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes:

·         The countless miles of alleyway corridors that adjoin homes that make up Stockport’s inner town areas running behind rows of terraced houses, physically and socially connecting neighbours for over a century.

·         The Borough’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in March 2019.

·         A resolution agreed by Council in Jan 2023 around ‘Developing the Stockport approach to improving local biodiversity’ without any reference to urban areas.

·         Due to reductions in the Borough’s revenue budgets year on year since the start of the last decade, a reduction in the frequency of maintenance and cleansing of adopted alleyways as part of the Highways Department’s inspection programme.

·         Due to the recent public health emergency, the collapse of the agreement between SMBC and the Probation Service of the Community Payback work programme that enabled Council Officers to direct Community Payback work crews to gut alleyways.

·         Efforts by residents to clean and green their alleyways made difficult by the culture and leadership of the Council’s Highways Department.

·         Social isolation affects both individuals and the wider community. Health issues arising from isolation and loneliness lead to an increased use of health and social care services as well as a higher number of emergency admissions and GP consultations adding significant pressures to available public health resources.

·         The success of an intergenerational alleyway greening project in Edgeley in 2022. This was made possible from £6,000 grant from Groundwork GM  which has brought a natural ‘wildlife corridor’ into an urban space, provided a safe space for children to play, allowed a communal space for neighbours to meet and relax, markedly reduced fly-tipping and allowed intergenerational learning of new DIY, gardening and growing skills and improved mental health and wellbeing. 

This council recognises that/the:

·         The Council must be more ambitious and change the way it perceives its alleyways not as a problem to be dealt with through maintenance and inspection.

·         Potential for Stockport’s alleyways to become an urban green lung by creating spaces that can and have been enjoyed by people and contribute to mental wellbeing.

·         Many of Stockport’s residents in inner town areas do not have the benefit of accessing nature through visiting the Greenbelt.

This Council resolves that:

·         The Council produces a public facing guide that residents can utilise if they wish to pursue an alleyway cleaning and greening project, easily accessible from the Council website.

·         It does everything in its power through partnership working to ensure the Probation Service remains based in Stockport to ensure the Community Payback programme can return as a full-time programme to carry out tasks such as deep cleaning alleyways.

·         It recognises that alleyways play an important role in dealing with climate change and improving wellbeing in high density areas.

·         It will seek to source funding opportunities at national, GM and local level to support a programme of urban greening.

·         The Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee be recommended to establish a scrutiny review panel to explore how the Council can explore unlocking Stockport’s communal corridors ensuring all Members are able to contribute.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED - This Council notes:

·         The countless miles of alleyway corridors that adjoin homes that make up Stockport’s inner town areas running behind rows of terraced houses, physically and socially connecting neighbours for over a century.

·         As of 2018, Stockport’s Public Right of Way (PROW) network totalled 268km.

·         The PROW network has an important role to play in realising the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 which states “by 2040 local neighbourhoods will be more pleasant and safe to walk and cycle around, with most short trips being made on foot or by bike”.

·         The Borough’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in March 2019.

·         A resolution agreed by Council in Jan 2023 around ‘Developing the Stockport approach to improving local biodiversity’ without any reference to urban areas.

·         Due to reductions in the Borough’s revenue budgets year on year since the start of the last decade,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.(ii)