Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting of the Annual Council held on 17 May 2011.

The Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 17 May 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor informed the Council that he was deeply saddened to report a number of recent deaths.

The Mayor invited the Council Meeting to join him in extending his deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Owen Breen, former councillor for Heatons South Ward between 2007 and 2011 who had recently passed away.

The Mayor was also saddened to report the death of Mrs Kathleen Whitehead, former Mayoress of Stockport between 1989 and 1990.  The Mayor reported that he had attended Mrs Whitehead's funeral service which took place on Friday, 24 June 2011.

The Mayor reported that after what was a very enjoyable and successful Mayoral reception, his Mayoral duties had commenced the next day with a Citizenship Ceremony and visit to the Stockport Action for Voluntary Youth AGM.

On Saturday, 21 May 2011 the Mayor and Mayoress attended a fun day at Charnwood Nursery and Family Centre.  This fund raising event encouraged current and past families to meet and play together. 

Later that week on Thursday, 26 May 2011 the Mayor and Mayoress had attended a Slimming World meeting in Heaton Moor.  The Mayor presented awards to members of the group to mark their efforts during a 12 week 'Beat Obesity' challenge.

The Mayor advised the Council meeting that On Monday, 30 May 2011 he had attended the launch of Charlie’s Band Room Dream fundraising campaign at Park Keepers Cottage in Memorial Park Marple. Charlie Ingham was a long serving member and passionate about securing the future of the band and in 1985 The Charles Ingham Band Room Fund was formed.  The Council Meeting was informed that it was the aim of the Group to raise £75,000 to refurbish the Park Keeper's Cottage.

The Mayor also drew the Council meeting's attention to two fundraising events which were being held in support of the Mayor's Charity, St Ann's Hospice.  An afternoon tea will be held on Sunday, 19 June 2011 which would be hosted by John and Ann MacCarron.  In addition, Councillor Adrian Nottingham would be undertaking a sponsored walk of Hadrian's Wall between 6 and 10 July 2011.

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.

The following interests were declared:-

Personal Interests

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.

Ten public questions were submitted concerning:-

·         The sponsorship of Stockport County Football Club by the Council for the 2011/12 season.

Councillors Harding and Murphy undertook to respond to the question as part of their comments under Summons Item 7(i) ‘Motion – Stockport County Football Club’.

·         The charges levied by the Council for the replacement of bins.

The Executive Councillor (Environment) advised that a review would be undertaken into the level of charges made by the Council for replacement of bins.

·         Whether the Council was aware of the report prepared by Deloitte Touche which had highlighted that Stockport County Football Club brought £1.7 million into the local economy, and the influence that this would have on any decision by the Council to give further sponsorship to the Club.

The Leader of the Council advised that the report in question had been supported by the Council and had been given due consideration.

·         The rate of Council Tax collection in the Borough between 2005/6 and 2009/10 financial years.

The Executive Councillor (Finance) responded that the Council pursued the collection of outstanding Council Tax arrears, and that any apparent disparity in the collection figures between those two points in time were likely the result of the use of end of year and in year collection rates.

Councillor Harding responded that the Council could do more to improve its collection rates.

·         The lack of engagement with user groups during the formation of the leisure review.

The Executive Councillor (Leisure) responded that community groups would be included within any consultation exercise undertaken as part of any review.

·         The Council’s plans for the service contract at Grand Central Pools.

The Executive Councillor (Leisure) responded that plans for contracts between the Council and Stockport Sports Trust were commercially sensitive at the moment and accordingly details of this could not currently be divulged.

·         The allocation of funds for works to Avondale Leisure Centre.

The Executive Councillor (Leisure) responded that Stockport Sports Trust was a separate organisation, but that if any member of the public had specific concerns in relation to the allocation of funding, they could be raised with him or the Corporate Director of Place.

·         The allocation of funding by the Council to Stockport County Football Club.

Councillor Verdeille undertook to respond to the question as part of his comments under Summons Item 7(i) ‘Motion – Stockport County Football Club’.

·         Apparent factual inaccuracies in the report recommending the closure of Avondale Leisure Centre.

The Executive Councillor (Leisure) responded that this information would be fed into a further review of the proposed closure.

·         The financial control that the Council can exert over Stockport Sports Trust as the recipient of a significant grant from the Council.

The Executive Councillor (Finance) responded that Stockport Sports Trust was a separate organisation which had to produce its own accounts.  The Council, through the Executive Councillor (Leisure) had a close relationship with Stockport Sports Trust, particularly in respect of the level of grant and the Service Level Agreement between the Council and Stockport Sports Trust.

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

(a)  Two petitions were submitted from residents of (i) Shaw Road South and (ii) Green Street requesting residents only parking.

(b)       St Ann’s Hospice

Amanda Brown and Clare Henderson from St Ann’s Hospice attended the meeting and made a presentation on the work of St Ann’s Hospice.

At the conclusion of the item, the Mayor expressed his thanks and gratitude on behalf of the Council Meeting for the work undertaken by St Ann’s Hospice.

(a)           Nomination of councillors to answer questions on Joint Authority matters

To report that under Section 41 of the Local Government Act 1985, the following councillors have been nominated by the bodies indicated to answer questions relating to the discharge of the functions of those authorities:-

(b)    Questions

The above mentioned Councillors to answer questions, if any, on the business of the Joint Authorities.

(a)       Nomination of councillors to answer questions on Joint Authority Matters

The Mayor reported that under Section 41 of the Local Government Act 1985, the following councillors had been nominated by the bodies indicated to answer questions relating to the discharge of functions of joint authorities for the Municipal Year 2011/12:-

(b)       Questions

Councillors were invited to question the Council’s representatives on Joint Authorities.

Councillor Meikle enquired about the level of expenses claims made by the Chair of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority.

Councillor Mick Jones enquired about provision made within the Members’ Allowances Scheme for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority which permitted first class rail travel for members.

Councillor David Wilson agreed to respond in writing to the issues raised by the questioners.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The Executive Councillor (Regeneration) (Councillor Kevin Hogg) submitted the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Development Plan Document (copies of which had been circulated).  The Plan had been developed by a committee of AGMA and sought to provide a set of development control policies to assist in the consideration of mineral related planning applications. The Plan, if approved, would form part of the Council’s Local Development Framework document.

RESOLVED – (1) That approval be given to the Publication Joint Minerals Development Plan Document and its submission to the Secretary of State

(2) That responsibility for approval of any minor or non-material changes to the Publication Joint Minerals Development Plan Document before its submission to the Secretary of State for independent examination be delegated to the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Planning Committee.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) submitted the Children’s Trust Strategic Plan 2011-14 (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – That the Children’s Trust Strategic Plan 2011-14 be approved and adopted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

The Executive Councillor (Environment) (Councillor Shan Alexander) submitted the Licensing Policy Statement: Licensing of Premises for the provision of regulated entertainment, supply of alcohol and provision of late night refreshment (copies of which had been circulated).  The Statement had been produced following the three yearly review and followed extensive consultation.

RESOLVED – That the Statement of Licensing Policy in relation to the licensing of premises for the provision of regulated entertainment, supply of alcohol and provision of late night refreshment and the proposed amendments to the policy as detailed in the accompanying report be approved and adopted.

To receive a report from the Executive Leader and other members of the Executive on the conduct of Executive business since the last Council Meeting.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Dave Goddard) reported that:-

·         Meetings had taken place with Mr Parnell to resolve ongoing issues, and an offer of support and care had now been made which was being considered.

·         He had recently visited the office accommodation at Park Square, Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle which had undergone significant refurbishment and renovation and all members were extended an invitation to view the site.

·         On 22 March 2011 David Hanson MP, the Policing Minister visited Stockport to observe the work of Stockport’s Spotlight Unit which had been establish to target the 200 most prolific offenders in the Borough.

·         On 22 June 2011, the LGiU held a ‘What does the Localism Bill mean for councils?’ conference at Stockport Town Hall which was well attended by councillors.  It was anticipated that a further conference would be held at the Town Hall in September in relation to local government finance.

·         On 25 June 2011 the ‘Great Reddish Bike Ride’ event was held in Houldsworth Square, Reddish to raise funds for the repairs to the roof of St Elisabeth’s Church, Reddish.

·         Liam Brody, a former student of Priestnall School, Heaton Mersey had reached the Boy’s Singles Final at Wimbledon and requested that the congratulations of the Council Meeting be extended to Liam for his success.

The Executive Councillor (Children & Young People) (Councillor Stuart Bodsworth) reported that:-

·         Priestnall School had been Stockport’s first secondary school to receive an ‘outstanding’ report from Ofsted following a recent inspection.

·         Operation Windermere, a joint operation by officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team and Stockport Division, had resulted in a total of 12 arrests for child exploitation. 

·         An apprenticeship event had been held at Stockport Town Hall on 28 June 2011 for young people in Stockport.  65 young people attended the event which included contributions from 20 employers, 18 training providers and three colleges.

To answer questions from Councillors addressed to the Executive Leader or other members of the Executive, in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

The Leader of the Council and the Executive Councillors (Children & Young People), (Customer Focus), (Environment), (Leisure), (Regeneration) and (Transportation) answered questions relating to the business of the Executive in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive held on 18 May and 13 June 2011 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 Executive Meetings on 18 May and 13 June 2011 and the record of Executive Decisions taken 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.

In accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 11, Councillor Somekh answered questions as Chair of the Adults & Communities Scrutiny Committee in respect of the Scrutiny Review undertaken by the Scrutiny Committee in relation to the personalisation agenda and the composition of the Safer Stockport Partnership.  Further, Councillor Wendy Meikle answered a question as Chair of the Environment & Economy Scrutiny Committee in relation to the potential for the Scrutiny Committee to facilitate a review into charges levied by the Council for replacement bins.

To receive the Minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees:-

The Mayor declared the minutes of the following Scrutiny Committees (copies of which had been circulated with the Summons) to be duly received:-

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

The Chair of the Licensing, Environment & Safety Committee (Councillor Chris Gordon) reported that the Environmental Health & Trading Standards Team had been Highly Commended in the ‘Public Protection Achievement of the Year’ category of the MJ Awards for its work on ‘Young Persons Health and Safety in the Workplace’.  Councillor Gordon commented that over 2,500 young people in Stockport had engaged with the roadshow presentation over the course of the initiative and congratulated Environmental Health & Trading Standards Team on their achievement.

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 from councillors addressed to the Chairs of the Planning and Highways Regulation and Licensing, Environment & Safety Committees on the conduct of their business since the last Council Meeting.

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

Ordinary Committees

Area Committees

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

Area Committees

This Council Meeting notes with deep concern the ongoing uncertainty around the future of Stockport County Football Club, having fallen out of the football league after 106 years.

This Council Meeting believes that Stockport County is a key part of our local community, which contributes to the distinctiveness and identity of Stockport, is an excellent ambassador for our Borough, and has an important role to play in promoting sporting activity amongst local people.

This Council Meeting is aware that a number of football clubs have received the support of their local councils, including:

·         Peterborough United, whose ground has recently been purchased by Peterborough City Council.

·         Accrington Stanley, whose ground is owned by Hyndburn Council, who are also sponsors of the team, and who work very closely with the club on community sports development activity and economic development activities.

·         The successful development of the Leigh Sports Village by Wigan Council, used by Leigh Centurions rugby club and Leigh Genesis football club.

·         Coleraine FC, where a new stadium is proposed as part of a community sports facility.

This Council Meeting further notes the support being given by Salford City Council to Salford City Reds rugby club, including loan support, and also for the development of a new community stadium at Barton.

This Council Meeting therefore requests the following;

That the Executive on behalf of this Council, gives serious and full consideration to offering real support toSCFC during this difficult period, including, but not limited to:

(1) Helping to secure SCFC’s continued presence at Edgeley Park;

(2) Exploring the potential for a new stadium combined with community sports facilities;

(3) Sponsorship of the club for the season 2011/12;

(4) Provision of training facilities within the Borough, and the formation of new links, and making use of the club’s expertise and facilities, to deliver sports promotion and development activities in the local community.

MOVED AND SECONDED

This Council Meeting notes with deep concern the ongoing uncertainty around the future of Stockport County Football Club, having fallen out of the football league after 106 years.

This Council Meeting believes that Stockport County is a key part of our local community, which contributes to the distinctiveness and identity of Stockport, is an excellent ambassador for our Borough, and has an important role to play in promoting sporting activity amongst local people.

This Council Meeting is aware that a number of football clubs have received the support of their local councils, including:

·         Peterborough United, whose ground has recently been purchased by Peterborough City Council.

·         Accrington Stanley, whose ground is owned by Hyndburn Council, who are also sponsors of the team, and who work very closely with the club on community sports development activity and economic development activities.

·         The successful development of the Leigh Sports Village by Wigan Council, used by Leigh Centurions rugby club and Leigh Genesis football club.

·         Coleraine FC, where a new stadium is proposed as part of a community sports facility.

This Council Meeting further notes the support being given by Salford City Council to Salford City Reds rugby club, including loan support, and also for the development of a new community stadium at Barton.

This Council Meeting therefore requests the following;

That the Executive on behalf of this Council, gives serious and full consideration to offering real support toSCFC during this difficult period, including, but not limited to:

(1) Helping to secure SCFC’s continued presence at Edgeley Park;

(2) Exploring the potential for a new stadium combined with community sports facilities;

(3) Sponsorship of the club for the season 2011/12;

(4) Provision of training facilities within the Borough, and the formation of new links, and making use of the club’s expertise and facilities, to deliver sports promotion and development activities in the local community.

AMENDMENT MOVED AND SECONDED

Delete everything after “This Council Meeting” and replace with:

·         Values Stockport County Football Club as a key part of our community, and of Stockport’s culture and heritage;

·         considers that it would be a matter of deep regret if over 100 years of football history were to be lost; and

·         recognises and applauds the hard work of fans in keeping the future of the club on the public agenda.

This Council Meeting recognises the difficult issues facing Stockport County, including:

·         That the club has been relegated from the Football League, and will now play in the Blue Square Premiership;

·         that this most recent setback has come after a prolonged period of difficulties at the club; and

·         that unusually, the Club does not own its own ground, leaving it without a major asset, without the income streams it would normally generate, and requiring it to pay rent in addition to other overheads.

This Council Meeting notes the previous support given to Stockport County by this Council, and the willingness of councillors of all parties, and of Council officers, to work with the Club, and with potential investors, to find a sustainable future for County and for professional football in our Borough. We would welcome, and urge the Executive to give full consideration to, any approach for support from County backed up by a viable business case and adequate funding, but note that none has been forthcoming to date.

However, at a time when Council budgets are under unprecedented strain, requiring significant cuts to local services, this Council Meeting does not, and cannot, at this time, support further cash payments which do not provide any solution to Stockport County’s current difficulties nor any means to put the future of the Club on a sustainable footing.

This Council Meeting recognises that this decision should be taken under the scheme of delegation as set out in the Council’s Constitution and not by this Council Meeting, and as such, requests that the appropriate decision-maker does  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7(i)

This Council Meeting supports the principle of personalised community care, giving service users greater control over the services provided to them, including the provision of personal budgets, and direct payments to those who opt for them.

This Council Meeting is however very concerned that care staff employed by service users in receipt of direct payments are not automatically required to undergo Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, putting vulnerable adults at potential risk.

This Council Meeting understands that the lack of any requirement for checks might have been intended to help service users to employ people they know and trust, but that large private sector providers and agencies are now operating in the field, with varying policies on CRB checking.

This Council Meeting believes:

·         That the move towards delivering more care services in this way, transferring provision away from Council and other public sector providers with robust safeguarding procedures, is happening without adequate consideration of the increased risk to service users, or with sufficient safeguards being introduced; and

·         That this Council continues to have a duty of care to Direct Payment recipients arranging their own care, and a responsibility to ensure that public money is being used to provide effective care.

This Council Meeting therefore requests the Executive to:

·         initiate a full investigation into this issue as it affects Stockport, to produce a report which can also be considered by the Adults & Communities Scrutiny Committee; and

·         in the meantime, ensure that clear information is given to all service users on the importance of adequate checks, and guidance in case problems arise.

RESOLVED - This Council Meeting supports the principle of personalised community care, giving service users greater control over the services provided to them, including the provision of personal budgets, and direct payments to those who opt for them.

This Council Meeting is however very concerned that care staff employed by service users in receipt of direct payments are not automatically required to undergo Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, putting vulnerable adults at potential risk.

This Council Meeting understands that the lack of any requirement for checks might have been intended to help service users to employ people they know and trust, but that large private sector providers and agencies are now operating in the field, with varying policies on CRB checking.

This Council Meeting believes:

·         That the move towards delivering more care services in this way, transferring provision away from Council and other public sector providers with robust safeguarding procedures, is happening without adequate consideration of the increased risk to service users, or with sufficient safeguards being introduced; and

·         That this Council continues to have a duty of care to Direct Payment recipients arranging their own care, and a responsibility to ensure that public money is being used to provide effective care.

This Council Meeting therefore requests the Executive to:

·         initiate a full investigation into this issue as it affects Stockport, to produce a report which can also be considered by the Adults & Communities Scrutiny Committee; and

·         in the meantime, ensure that clear information is given to all service users on the importance of adequate checks, and guidance in case problems arise.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Place.

A report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Corporate Director of Place was submitted seeking approval for delegated authority for Birmingham City Council’s Illegal Money Lending Team to operate on behalf of Stockport Council.

RESOLVED – (1) That Birmingham City Council be authorised to investigate and institute proceedings against illegal money lenders operating in the Stockport area.

(2) That by virtue of Section 19(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 and Regulation 7 of the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000 the enforcement of functions under Part III of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 be delegated to the Trading Standards Services of Birmingham City Council subject to those terms and conditions contained in the agreement to be entered into with Birmingham City Council relating to the said delegated function.

(3) That approval be given to the “Protocol for Illegal Money Lending Team Investigations” as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report and that officers be authorised to approve minor alterations as required to ensure agreement to allow the agreement to run from the date when approved at the Council Meeting until 31 March 2015.

To consider a report of the Service Director (Legal & Democratic Services).

A report (copies of which had been circulated) of the Service Director, Legal & Democratic Services was submitted detailing the outcome of a review of the number of places allocated to political groups represented on the Council as a consequence of the resignation of Councillor Chris Walker from the Liberal Democrat Group.

The revised calculations resulted in a loss of two seats from the Liberal Democrat Group which would be reallocated to the Independent Councillor.  The number of seats allocated to the Labour, Conservative and Independent Ratepayers Groups were unaffected.

RESOLVED – (1) That Councillor Chris Walker be allocated seats on the Appeals Panel, in place of Councillor Wendy Meikle, and on the Audit Committee.

(2) That Councillor Daniel Hawthorne be appointed to the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee in place of Councillor Chris Walker.

(3) That Councillor Daniel Hawthorne be appointed Vice-Chair of the Corporate, Resource Management & Governance Scrutiny Committee.

To confirm the appointment of the following to the Stockport Independent Remuneration Panel:-

Anthony Durrant (current member)

Margaret Kelly (current member)

Philip Smith (current member)

Ben Poland

RESOLVED – That the following persons be appointed to the Stockport Independent Remuneration Panel:-

Anthony Durrant

Margaret Kelly

Ben Poland

Philip Smith